So, I never thought this day would come. Yes the day, when College ball was something of the past.  Just a couple of months ago I graduated from Long Island University in Brooklyn.  It almost seems like yesterday I was gearing up for games, training early mornings, and attending classes. And it really seems so weird not being in college anymore. No longer a collegiate athlete, no longer a student athlete.

Anyone else have this feeling? The feeling of suddenly waking up in a class called “Real Life” and not remembring resigistering for it?  Looking back I really miss it. They always say, “stay in college for as long as you can” or “college will be the best times of your life.” I like that one….cas although I know college will not necessarily be the absolute best thing to come, i do know there will never be a time like that ever!

Anyway, more on this topic late when thoughts can be collected and experiences reflected upon. For now, just some thoughts on my current situation. Graduated 6 months ago, ok maybe a bit more than a couple months, and in the real world. Took the summer off from playing and training. I figured after 5 years of college ball (ye I know 5 year plan, its a good one) I can take one summer off, Right? But still i couldn’t help the fact that when august rolled around I felt the presence of Pre-Season, and it was almost an empty feeling of not being able to attend a training camp we used to complain about so much. When September hit, with playing still burning from within, I did the real world thing or “working” as some might call it, Soccer stuff here Soccer stuff there…you know. More on why I didn’t pick up and get trials for Pro teams later. Anyway, this brings me to my current situation, sitting here staring at a computer screen in South Africa typing this blog. Yes South Africa, a long way from home. What am I doing here? You might ask. Finding life I guess.  It really comes to shows how unexpected paths can lead you in directions you would never anticipate, no matter how much you train, practice or prepare for it.

So, in this first blog on College Soccer, I just Thought it would be appropriate to look back just a little bit, and say from half way around the world,  “Cheers LIU, Good Times.”

More on this particular journey in other blogs to come. And Yes I said South Africa, Durban to be exact. Still tuned for more on World Cup 2010.

For more information on what I’m doing in South Africa read: Note from Spirrs Guy
For more information on where this Spirrs Guy came from read: Who’s This Spirr Guys Anyway?

So, brief rundown of my playing experience thus far…and if you’re wondering what I’m doing in South Africa right now, click here.

As you might know already, now that I have taken this short break from playing, the passion really burns from within me.  I find myself constantly looking at opportunity, chance and possibilities to continue what I started 14 years ago on a small cement pitch. Soon enough, a little planning and a lot of training, I’ll be back on this journey limited by time, age, and health.  So in this important life transition, I thought I would take a second and reflect on the first half of my playing career. I mean this is more so for my readers, so you can place the face with the words, without the floating phantom perception that comes with the obscure name Spirrs Guy. But nonetheless, i was fun for me to reflect back, because honestly, I just don’t remember it all.

So, half time speech: just a brief overview of what went on. For further, in dept thoughts and experiences in playing  Youth, Club, ODP, College, and PDL through the years stay tuned, you gotta give me a chance to write them all.

2005-2008 Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus. Brooklyn, New York

• Former Captain
• Student Athlete of the Year

2007 Laredo Heat Soccer Club. Laredo, Texas

• PDL National Champions

2003-2005 Rutgers University, New Brunswick. New Brunswick, New Jersey

• Suffered first collegiate Injury
• Competed minimally 

2001-2005 Merrick Magic – Merrick Long Island New York

• New York Freedom Y-League – Long Island New York  
• Merrick Red Storm – Merrick Long Island New York

1998-2002 Olympic Development Program (ODP) – Eastern New York Down State, Long Island.

• Olympic Development Program (ODP) – Region 1 ODP 

Previous:

• Manhattan Soccer Club
• Manhattan Kicker’s Soccer Club 
• Downtown Soccer League – Intramural soccer league located in the Hudson RiverPark Park .
• United East Athletic Association (UEAA) – Columbus Park Chinatown New York City.

 In a Nut Shell. Hopefully more to add to the Top of this list. I’ll keep you posted.