Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Plans after Graduation:
Post-graduation, I plan to move back to Michigan and use my network of connections as well as leverage my experience from my summer internship with GM to gain job opportunities. I would like an opportunity to work in GM's social media department, but I will also apply to the large ad agencies as well. Once employed I hope to save and become financially secure to have my own residence. Of course, I plan to participate in men's soccer leagues and keep up with friends and family. Lastly, I'd like to coach my old travel teams youth program and possibly my high school soccer team.

Thank You for Family & Friends:
First and foremost, I want to thank my parents for giving me the opportunity and their support to play soccer. Thank you Dad for throwing me into my first pee-wee soccer camp at the age of three which sparked my passion for the sport. I want to thank my Dad for helping me practice over the years even though he had no clue how to play-he was a defensive back for Adrian College! I want to specifically thank my Mom for the countless times she drove me back and forth between soccer practices. Thank you both for being there for every competitive event that you could make and especially making the long trips to come see me play at Saint Mary’s. I would also like to thank my grandpa Jim Bluhm for being my number one fan while growing up and never turning down the opportunity to come watch me play. If it wasn’t for Coach Watkins recruiting me, I would not have had this awesome experience playing college soccer at SMU. Both him and Coach Rizzo has helped me build my skills and taught me valuable lessons that have led me to grow as a player and individual. I want to also thank the many good friends that I have made at St. Mary’s for their support, memories, and experiences we have shared these four years. A special thanks goes to my girlfriend Kendra for attending every home game despite her busy schedule, cheering me on, and, of course, being the first to let the ref know whenever he “missed” a call. A heartfelt thanks to my teammates, for the time we would put in during the offseason to play indoor pickup games and train. Although half the time we screwed around, you guys truly helped me become better. We were there to support each other and that’s what counted.

Best Class You had at Saint Mary’s & Why?
I particularly enjoyed Professor Ratajczyk’s Microeconomics course due to the fact that he is one of the most interesting professors on campus. Almost anything that he taught was engaging because of the motivation and passion he had for the material. He was able to take a subject matter, in which I was sure I held little interest, and make it both attention grabbing and thought provoking. It was refreshing to learn about the effects that individual decisions have on the market and how those decisions affect others as well. Through his humor, unique life experiences, and overall character, professor Ratajczyk completely changed my perception of the class to ultimately become the one I most looked forward to attending that semester.

Best Sports Memory at Saint Mary’s:
Traveling across England my freshman year with the soccer team was an absolute blast. Having the ability to experience another country and play soccer there with my teammates almost never felt real. From the long plane ride to the scrimmages against high caliber teams, it was truly an amazing experience. For me, the best part of the trip was going to the Manchester United and Swansea City game. This was special because it was Sir Alex Ferguson's last game as head coach and the last game that would seal the title for Manchester United. The atmosphere was insane inside the stadium and one that I will never forget. The culture, food, and sights were incredible while traveling across England. Eating fish and chips never got old, seeing the Big Ben was breathtaking, and being able to practice at Manchester United’s training ground was like a dream come true. I am very grateful to Saint Mary's for providing me the opportunity to travel abroad with the soccer team and for the    experiences I gained that will always be appreciated.

Reflections for the Team:
As cliché as it may sound, it is vital to truly enjoy your time here and make the most of it. Four years sounds like a lot, but comes before you know it. You don’t want to look back with any regrets. Live in the moment and make the experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Don't take anything for granted, capture the opportunities and appreciate the small things. Now is the time to “leave it on the field”, taking risks, making mistakes, and leaving your comfort zone to learn and grow to your fullest potential. I had a great time doing just that here at SMU and made some lifelong friendships in the process. To all of the seniors, this one is for you. I’m going to miss all the fun that we’ve had and the memories we've made. I’ll never forget the times in Benilde and all the pranks we did to one another, like the time you guys tied a rope from my door knob to the door knob across the hallway. I was stuck for a long time. Or the time we dumped a mixture of anything that we could find on Bosco while he was showering. I hope for the best and that you all find happiness and success after graduation. Underclassman, continue working hard next year and give Saint Mary’s the season it truly deserves and more importantly, the season you guys deserve. You are all so talented and one of the most competitive group of guys I have ever played with so I know you can do it. Support each other and    have fun while striving to reach your goals together.