Men's Soccer: Get to Know the Blue Devils
CCSU athletics is rolling out a new series to "Get to Know the Blue Devils." Despite sports competition being suspended during the fall season, CCSU student-athletes continue to succeed in the classroom and have an impact in the community. Through a series of questions and answers, CCSU fans and supporters can become familiar with many of the Blue Devils' student-athletes and learn who their favorite athletes are, what talents they have, bucket list goals and other interesting tidbits away from the field of competition.
This will be an ongoing feature throughout the semester, check back on our social media channels and at CCSUBlueDevils.com for updates.
Kyle Halehale | Fr. | Sinajana, Guam
Major: Finance
Why did you choose CCSU?
Wanted to play Division 1 sports in America and get an education
Is there anything interesting about you that you would like us to know?
I'm from the island of Guam
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
I would like to win the NEC Conference
Who is your inspiration and why?
My Uncle because even now he teaches me many things and he's been a great role model and someone I always looked up too.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
It is up to yourself to make the most of what situation you are in
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being able to represent my country to play football (soccer)
What are your future plans?
Would like to start my own business and work independently
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
Your family is what matters the most
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Lionel Messi because he produces magic every time he is on the pitch
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Go to Antarctica
Do you have a favorite quote?
Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chamorro style bbq
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Regular Show
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
Guam has one of the only four green sand beaches in the world
What superpower would you like to have?
Ability to control time
Sean Gannon | Sr. | Coventry, CT
Major: Finance
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Shutting out FGCU for the first time in 4 years
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Messi
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Travel
Who would play you in a movie about your-self?
Johnny Depp
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pasta
What superpower would you like to have?
Teleportation
Nicholas Wlodarczyk | Jr. | Cape Coral, FL
Major: Business
Why did you choose CCSU?
My sister attended this school, it was an opportunity to come back home and live with my family. I was also given an opportunity to continue my soccer career and help the program.
Is there anything interesting about you that you would like us to know?
An interesting experience for me was playing at a professional level in Poland and living in the country by myself.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Having a successful soccer season and getting my degree.
Who is your inspiration and why?
Cristiano Ronaldo because he was born with nothing and had nothing and now he's on top because of all his hard work and sacrifices
What is the best advice you've ever received?
With every road block, there's always a detour. The comeback is always greater than the setback!
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Playing professionally overseas
What are your future plans?
Start my own business in the later future
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
To be honest nothing changed in both aspects for me
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Virgil van Dijk because he is cool, calm and collected.
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Mountain climbing
Besides playing your sport, do you have any other talents?
Fishing
Do you have a favorite quote?
Just do it! -Nike
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Jason statham
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken bacon ranch pizza
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Spongebob
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
Sloths sleep roughly 15-18 hours a day
What superpower would you like to have?
Flying
What would be your spirit animal?
Wolf
Amin Mohammad | Jr. | East Windsor, CT
Major: Marketing
Why did you choose CCSU?
Soccer and major
Is there anything interesting about you that you would like us to know?
Dean's list spring semester of my sophomore year.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Graduating/career
Who is your inspiration and why?
Mother because of her sacrifices she made for me and my sisters
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Stay humble
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Not giving up playing after many surgeries
What are your future plans?
Having a great career
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
Learned to have more patience
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Neymar because he likes to play with a smile and entertain his fans.
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Getting an internship
Besides playing your sport, do you have any other talents?
I am good at fifa
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
My best friend
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
French fries
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Family guy
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
National animal of Scotland is the unicorn...
What superpower would you like to have?
Teleporting
What would be your spirit animal?
Monkey because they are smart
Who is your favorite musical artist?
A boogie with the hoodie
Rida Kori | Jr. | Khartoum, Sudan
Major: Finance
Why did you choose CCSU?
Location and soccer program
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Graduating and learning life skills that will lead to success
Who is your inspiration and why?
Parents due to their hard work and escaping war
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Always try your best
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Dean's list
What are your future plans?
Real Estate
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
Very patient and understanding
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Cristiano Ronaldo because of his skills, teamwork, and grit
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Travel to Dubai
Besides playing your sport, do you have any other talents?
Juggling
Do you have a favorite quote?
When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful
-Eric Thomas
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Chris Tucker
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Dal Adas (دالعدس)
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Boondocks
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
A single sneeze can travel 100 mph
What superpower would you like to have?
Teleportation
What would be your spirit animal?
Lion
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Lil Durk, Meek Mill, Lil Baby, Pop Smoke
Petter Kobberstad | Fr. | Moss, Norway
Major: Business Management
Why did you choose CCSU?
Because of its good soccer and educational program
What are you most looking forward to accomplish-ing at CCSU?
Getting an education, become a better soccer player
Who is your inspiration and why?
My father, because i think hes the smartest man I know
What is the best advice you've ever received?
You can learn something from anyone
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Rehabilitate from my knee injury
What are your future plans?
Work on something I have passion for
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I'm actually a pretty tolerant guy
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Lionel Messi, cause what he does is out of this world, and he makes me love my sport
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Acquire new skills and have fun, always
Besides playing your sport, do you have any other talents?
I'm a bit of a musician
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Myself
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Barbecue
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Dragon ball Z
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
That human know almost nothing about our universe
What superpower would you like to have?
Knowledge about everything
What would be your spirit animal?
Sonic the Hedgehog
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Chris Brown
Matt Bulic | So. | Fair Lawn, NJ
Major: Economics
Why did you choose CCSU?
I wanted the opportunity to play soccer and get a great education.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Id like to make the honor roll and win the conference in soccer.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My parents are my inspiration, they taught me everything I know and show me that hard work is the key to success.
What are your future plans?
I'd like to work in NYC for a large company doing business related work.
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Messi. Goat.
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Learn how to play golf and the guitar. Also learn another language.
Besides playing your sport, do you have any other talents?
I like to snowboard
Do you have a favorite quote?
"Everyone's got a plan until they get punched in the face" -Mike Tyson
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pasta
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Spongebob
Who is your favorite musical artist?
A boogie
Tomas Lazicki | Fr. | Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Major: Biology
Why did you choose CCSU?
It was the best fit for me academically and athletically. The size of the school was perfect, and the people I talked to here when I visited really showed me how much of a family it is here.
Is there anything interesting about you that you would like us to know?
I like surfing and skiing.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
To get my degree with a 90 or more GPA and to play all four years of soccer in the process.
Who is your inspiration and why?
Iker Casillas is my inspiration because he is a player I share the same abilities as him and I try to replicate how he plays. He is also a very humble and respectful player.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
To think of things in the moment before focusing on the future.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Having the chance to go to college and play Division 1 soccer.
What are your future plans?
I would like to become someone who specializes in environmental science, and would like to help animals and ecosystems in need.
What is one thing you learned about yourself during quarantine?
That I have to put in effort on the side to accomplish the dreams I want to achieve.
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Iker Casillas is my inspiration because he is a player I share the same abilities as him and I try to replicate how he plays. He is also a very humble and respectful player.
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Travel around the world to see the different cultures and places that not everyone can see.
Besides playing your sport, do you have any other talents?
I can juggle, and I can surf.
Do you have a favorite quote?
"Our life is shaped by our mind, we become who we think. Joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never leaves." Buddha
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Ansel Elgort
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tacos
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Chowder
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
Peanuts aren't technically nuts.
What superpower would you like to have?
To read minds, or shape shifting.
What would be your spirit animal?
Horse
Zane Brown | Fr. | Middle Island, NY
Major: Geography
Why did you choose CCSU?
Opportunity to further my soccer and academic career
Is there anything interesting about you that you would like us to know?
2x All-League and All-State in High School , 2x Offensive MVP, League MVP, 2x NY state champions
What are you most looking forward to accomplish-ing at CCSU?
Winning games
Who is your inspiration and why?
Marcus Rashford because he's a great player and helps his community a lot
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Never care about what other people think of you
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Winning CHSSA League MVP
What are your future plans?
I would like to be an agent for athletes or own a hotel/resort
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I need more hobbies
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Neymar because he resembles a playstyle that I would love to have
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Visit Dubai
Do you have a favorite quote?
"There's no reason to have a plan B because it distracts from plan A" - Will Smith
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Martin Lawrence
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tacos
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Avatar the Last Airbender
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
Cows moo with accents
What superpower would you like to have?
Invisibility
What would be your spirit animal?
Wolf
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Kanye West/Kodak
Ivan Farias-Martinez | Fr. | Los Angeles, CA
Major: Exercise Science
Why did you choose CCSU?
I chose CCSU because I feel it was the best place to improve both in athletics and in aca-demics
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Graduating and winning a championship
Who is your inspiration and why?
My mom because she has done everything for me. She always wanted the best for me and worked hard so that I can be happy.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
To always stay mentally strong
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I won league MVP and made the first team in my division in the same year
What are your future plans?
Becoming a Athletic Trainer
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
That I am a patient person
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Alphonso Davies because he is a year older than me and plays the same position. He is an exciting player to watch because the way he plays is different than others.
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Travel
Do you have a favorite quote?
"I learned that if you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it"
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tamales
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
SpongeBob SquarePants
What superpower would you like to have?
Read Minds
What would be your spirit animal?
Wolf
Who is your favorite musical artist?
I am not sure I have too many
Yaw Nimo-Agyare | Fr. | East Hartford, CT
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why did you choose CCSU?
I chose CCSU because it was close to home and benefited the most for me as a student athlete.
Is there anything interesting about you that you would like us to know?
Playing the guitar
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
I'm looking forward to accomplish my dreams as a successful man in my four years here. Whether it's with soccer or a career I really enjoy.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
"To always remember why you started" which could be the answer to why I'm here right now and what I'm looking forward to accomplishing here.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Discovering my try passions as a person
What are your future plans?
To become the best person I can be and finish college. Whatever it takes to get there I'm up for it
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
That I didn't think about how much certain things meant to me until it felt like it was gone during these times. Also, being in a collaborative setting then just alone makes things much better as far as like mental health and my true inspires.
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Ngolo Kante because he just does his job on the field and is so nonchalant that almost no one can hate. He always puts a smile on my face and others I inspire to be someone like that on and off the field more of the off the field) games can be a little different depending on the situation
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Travel to Europe... I just feel like I would fit in that environment really well knowing how much they enjoy the game of soccer and I just like meeting foreigners. It's pretty interesting to compare their cultures and experiences to mines.
Besides playing your sport, do you have any other talents?
Yeahh I play the guitar and sometimes sing along pretty charming and enjoyable
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably Chicken or French fries
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Regular Show or Spongebob
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
A glass ball can bounce higher than a rubber one
What superpower would you like to have?
Time Travel
What would be your spirit animal?
Deer
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Khalid
Jimmy Maznicki | Fr. | Ellington, CT
Major: Mathematics
Why did you choose CCSU?
It was a good fit for me.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Graduating and getting my diploma
Who is your inspiration and why?
Steven Gerrard because he's my favorite soccer player of all time.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
That it's not about me it's about the team
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Definitely playing division 1 soccer
What are your future plans?
Coaching soccer
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I need to have athletics in my life
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Any Liverpool player be-cause that's my team just the way that they carry themselves and play is amazing.
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Travel to Europe
Besides playing your sport, do you have any other talents?
I'm not good at it but I like to golf.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
The main character
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Eggs because they're healthy
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Tom and Jerry
What superpower would you like to have?
Super speed
What would be your spirit animal?
Eagle
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Lil Baby
Gjergj Kllobochista | Sr. | Watertown, CT
Major: Economics
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Hopefully an NEC title
Who is your inspiration and why?
My uncle because he has a good lifestyle
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Playing four years of D1 Soccer
What are your future plans?
Get a good job and enjoy my life
What is one thing you learned about yourself during quarantine?
How much I appreciate my friends
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Sky dive or travel the world
Do you have a favorite quote?
That's the thing about coincidences, they just happen.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Prime Sylvester Stallone
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Brownies
What superpower would you like to have?
Telepathy
What would be your spirit animal?
Wolf
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Kanye West
Khalid Rose | Sr. | East Hartford, CT
Major: Criminology
Why did you choose CCSU?
I wanted to be apart of a very diverse community.
Is there anything interesting about you that you would like us to know?
I've won all state and all conference for soccer in high school. Also, since 2017 I've been on a cruise every year until this year.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My father because he is always guiding to do the right thing all the time and to push for more success even if I'm where I want to be in life.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Never stop striving for more
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Graduating from community college
What are your future plans?
Possible PO
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
It's hard for me to stay inside 24/7
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Cristiano Ronaldo because he never stops working and strives for even better.
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Skydiving
Do you have a favorite quote?
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard"
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Me
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pasta
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
George Lopez
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
The hottest chili pepper in the world is so hot that it can kill you.
What superpower would you like to have?
Fly
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Juice Wrld
Joey Zacchia | Gr. | Southington, CT
Major: MBA - Finance
Why did you choose CCSU?
The ability to commute and play division I soccer.
Is there interesting we should know about you?
I'm a black belt. Traveled to Australia. Worked at Yankee Stadium.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Winning an NEC championship.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My dad. He sets an example of hard work and do-it-yourself mentality.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Think before you speak.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Winning an SCC championship with my high school.
What are your future plans?
Work for a company that allows me to grow and be happy.
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I can accomplish a lot in a short amount of time.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Cristiano Ronaldo - he has a focused mentality. Always gives his 100% and shows it.
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Travel to Yellowstone and Yosemite.
Do you have a favorite quote?
The man in the arena. - Theodore Roosevelt
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Chris Evans
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken Nuggets
What was your favorite childhood TV show?
Fairly Oddpants
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
There is a city called "Rome" in every continent.
What superpower would you like to have?
The ability to fly.
What would be your spirit animal?
Wolf
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Zac Brown Band
Francesco Ambrosino | Sr. | Termoli, Italy
Major: Exercise Science
Why did you choose CCSU?
Because of the athletic and academic program
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Would like to win the conference next year
Who is your inspiration and why?
My dad because of what he is done for me and what I know he has sacrificed for me to be here
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Don't make myself a victim, and strive for the best I can obtain with my goals.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Getting a scholarship because of the sport I love to play
What are your future plans?
Building the foundation for a family and a stable job
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Del Piero because he has always been my idol
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Going back to Italy with my girlfriend
