As a new academic year commences, a new season for the FMU men’s soccer team is beginning. This season the team introduced nine new freshmen to the existing team dynamic. One freshman who stands out is Austin Lee from Clearwater, Fl.

Lee is a business management major who has joined the team as a midfielder. Before coming to FMU, Lee had a strong athletic career in high school. During his 4 years with Clearwater Central Catholic High School soccer team, he scored 12 goals and had 20 assists. He served as captain of his school team both his junior and senior year and also served as captain to his club team for four years. Lee believes his time playing soccer in high school taught him about the patience of growing.

“I know I’ll be tested and grow a lot over the course of my college career, and in order to perform I’ll need patience and determination to go through the process,” Lee said.

On top of his own soccer career as a player, Lee enjoys teaching and coaching younger children. He obtained his U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) national F Coaching license, allowing him to share his skills with a younger generation through helping out at several different soccer camps in his hometown.

During his senior year when looking at different universities and deciding who to sign with, Lee said he chose FMU because of the atmosphere and experience he had with the coach and team.

“During my visit to the school, I felt a connection with the coach and the team, and I knew it was the school I wanted to go to,” Lee said.

With the season fast approaching, Lee is ready to work hard to help contribute to the team but to also learn from the older players. He said he is excited to be a part of the dynamic and feels a great energy when he plays with them.

“I’ve already seen the motivation this team has to succeed and it’s an inspiring feeling,” Lee said.

Lee feels he can best be an asset to the team by committing to the team’s system and finding ways to compliment the other players. He believes the best way to succeed on the field is through teamwork ¬− everyone working together and supporting each other. Lee knows he will need to work hard and assist the team the best way he can this season to prove that he can be an asset this year and for the for the next three years to come.

“Mesut Özil [inspires me most] because of his humble attitude but great impact on the game,” Lee said. “He compliments his teammates well and is a positive component of the team.” Lee said he desires to be a humble player who often puts the goal of the team ahead of his own personal goal. This season he plans to help his teammates out in any way he can.