Kickin’ it soccer style

A look into the lives of  the USD Torero soccer players 

Jarek Morgan / Assistant Sports Editor / The USD Vista

As the 2021-2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men and women’s soccer season enters its first full month of conference play, it’s a good time to take a look at some fellow Torero student-athletes and how they will prove to be top contenders to the West Coast Conference (WCC) this season.

They may have gotten off to a bit of a slow start, but athletes are reminded constantly that it is not all about how one starts, but how one finishes the game. The expectations are high for both teams and having a season that can defy the odds of their current records is something that will come as no surprise to either program.

Student-athletes from both men’s and women’s soccer gave insights on how they battle through adversity on the field, and the ways they improve themselves off the field. 

USD senior defender, Mikey Barrow, originally from Liverpool, England, explained what it is like to adjust to living in the states, and what it’s like to  play the sport he loves. 

“Coming from England, soccer is such a major sport, but here in the states we have so much more to watch and play like basketball, football, baseball, and everything else,” Barrow said. “For me, soccer has been my passion my entire life, and I love playing in a different culture with my friends and teammates.” 

Barrow spoke in great detail about the importance of being back on campus, and sharing brief moments of enjoyment with his peers as something he will not soon forget. 

“I love it. I absolutely love it,” Barrow said. “Social interaction is something you just can’t replace. Meeting people on Zoom, you just didn’t get to really know people like you wanted to. Now that I am on campus, I walk into classes and people say, ‘Hey Mikey,’ and I know them and say what’s up back, and just that small moment feels so good to have again, because I missed it so much.”

Knowing how to work through the struggles of not having a winning season thus far is difficult, but Barrow continues to push himself and his teammates. 

“It’s tough when you’re not winning some of the games you know you should,” Barrow said. “We are a great team and we know that, but the thing I love the most about us is, even when the times are hard, we never give up on each other. I know I can look to my left and right and my teammates will be right there for me.” 

The same can be said about Barrow inside the classroom when he is focusing on being the best student-athlete he can be. 

“I take the time to make school a priority,” Barrow said. “This school is so great because every teacher cares about their students, and I get that feeling in my classes. I know that it takes time and effort to be a good student but sports have given me the necessary tools I need to be successful in the classroom.” 

USD junior defender, Sydney Hopkins, took her game on the field and elevated it to levels that are simply spectacular. 

Hopkins gives her absolute best with everything she is a part of: captain of the women’s soccer team, a proud member of the Black Students Union, serving with the Fellowship of Black Students, and WCC All-Academic Scholar. 

Hopkins continues to find ways to improve herself on and off the field. 

“I’ve found the easiest way to be successful: I write everything down,” Hopkins said. “It sounds like something so small but for me it really helps. When I am in class, I am constantly writing because I don’t want to forget anything. When I am watching films on my past games, I like to know what I was doing at certain times so I can improve any way possible.” 

Music is really important to Hopkins. She shared what is currently in her playlist rotation, as well as what she listens to before big games. 

“Drake. That’s it,” Hopkins said. “My friends and teammates know the new Drake ‘Certified Lover Boy’ is going to be playing whenever I am around. Every song on the album I can listen to over and over again.” 

From the daily rotation to the pre-game hype music, Hopkins has an eclectic taste in music that spreads far and wide. 

“Before a game, I love listening to oldies,” Hopkins said. “I grew up listening to all the old classics so when I am getting myself calm and ready for big games, I love putting on some throwbacks. I will always play some Usher “Confessions” and sing every song. My teammates consider me the DJ of our team, and I love it.” 

Hopkins and Barrow exemplify qualities that great students and athletes alike have in common: good study habits are universal, being a friend inside the classroom is a great way to make long lasting friendships, and working hard will always pay off. 

Women’s soccer will play Loyola Marymount University on Friday, Oct. 15 at Torero Stadium at 5 p.m.

Men’s soccer takes on crosstown rivals San Diego State University later that same night at 7:30 p.m, also at Torero Stadium.