1. Are there any short-term goals you would like to accomplish in the next few months or even in the next few years?

Outside of my goals in soccer, I have set a goal to learn some Romanian during the next year. Coming from a Russian-Ukrainian household and growing up in Canada, I've realized that sustaining your culture is very important. In Eastern-Europe, it is very common for people to only speak their native language and not English, which is why I talk with my parents and grandparents in my language as much as I can.
However, my girlfriend and I come from different backgrounds and speak different languages in our houses, so I want to make an effort to be able to communicate with her family as well. This would involve dedicating some time each week for studying the language, learning the grammar, speaking phrases, and practicing with my girlfriend. It is imperative to learn and connect through sharing experiences, traditions, and languages to appreciate the people around their unique perspectives and me. I love the language and visiting Romania last year with her and meeting her extended family was definitely a huge motivator. I set a goal so that the next time I visit I would be able to have a full on conversation with her, her family members, and her grandparents in their language.

2. Do you find it difficult to have a social life outside of soccer and how do you manage your athletic responsibilities and other outside recreational and non-recreational activities?

I've found that balancing soccer, academics, and personal responsibilities takes a lot of self-discipline. Sure, there are times when I might need to prioritize going for a run and getting some extra touches in or doing schoolwork over hanging out with friends, but it's all about managing my time effectively. Ever since I was young, my parents drilled into my head that time is key and having a structured schedule makes life easier. That's what I do, making schedules, plans, and coordinating my social life, soccer practice, games, school, and extracurricular activities. Planning ahead helps me avoid overcommitting to certain responsibilities in life, so I make sure I do not miss out on important moments outside of soccer or vice versa. Having time to speak with my family, my girlfriend, friends from home, and my teammates outside of sports and school environments really helps clear my head and makes me perform better on the field. It definitely makes my job easier as an athlete to enjoy going to early morning workouts, practices, and games if I keep busy with fun activities in my downtime. I am grateful to have supportive people who remind me of what's important and to always play my best, stay healthy, and determined for the future.
 
3. How is it different being one of the upperclassmen on the team?

Being one of the upperclassmen on the team is a unique experience that I am very appreciative of. I am excited to have the opportunity to help out the freshmen and offer them some guidance as they settle in. It is important to me to be a resource for them and to help them navigate their first year on the team. At the same time, even though I am in a position where I am giving advice, I am still looking to the seniors for their wisdom and support. It is a bit of a two-way street; getting to offer guidance while also benefiting from the experience and leadership of those who have been around longer. I definitely think it will build a stronger team in the long run, as we all aim to better ourselves and help each other out.

4. How does being an athlete make you a better person?

Being an athlete definitely helps me grow as a person in many physical and mental ways. The discipline and dedication required in sports translates to other areas of life, teaching me how to stay focused, work hard, and push myself towards my goals. Teamwork and communication on the field have improved my ability to collaborate and connect with others off the field. In addition, the challenges and setbacks I face in sports really build resilience and problem-solving skills that help me handle life's difficulties more effectively. Without soccer, I do not think I would be half the person I am today, as it has helped me develop such a strong work ethic, leadership skills, a positive attitude, teamwork, and a greater sense of appreciation in general.

5. What do you believe is the greatest challenge most athletes are facing today?

The greatest challenges I think athletes face today are managing the intense demands of their sport, balancing other life responsibilities, and maintaining their mental health outside of athletics. The pressure to perform at a high level, coupled with attention from social media and public expectations, can be extremely overwhelming. Many athletes struggle with stress, anxiety, and burnout as they juggle rigorous training, competitions, and personal responsibilities, which I can definitely relate to. I have set very high expectations for myself, but for a while, I felt I was not advancing at the rate I wanted to be. Dealing with family issues, academic responsibilities, and maintaining personal relationships became difficult to manage while focusing on my goals with soccer. I was unsure about my next steps and of which way to go. Now, with so many opportunities to succeed in sports, it is hard to know which path would get me to the places I needed to be. It was a tough time and I had to make some big decisions. By talking with coaches and teammates, and with the support of my family, friends, and girlfriend, I was able to find my way here. Their encouragement and support were crucial in helping me overcome those challenges and finally feel confident in my judgment and my goals. So, although finding time for self-care and relaxation becomes difficult, it is crucial for athletes to have access to mental health resources and support systems. Navigating these pressures and maintaining a healthy mindset is essential for their overall well-being and success, both on and off the field.

6. What have you learned about teamwork from your experiences on your teams?

One of the biggest things I have learned about teamwork is the importance of communication and understanding. When everyone is on the same page, openly sharing their ideas and concerns, it makes the whole thing run smoother and more effectively. I think that understanding and valuing each team member's strengths can really improve our performance. It is not just about dividing tasks and responsibilities, but about leveraging and playing to each person's unique skills.
Being flexible and adaptable is crucial because sometimes there are setbacks, which can be demotivating for players. Yet, when these obstacles come, they should be taken as an opportunity to work together and overcome them as a team. It is important to be able to adjust and support each other through changes that can make a big difference in achieving our individual and collective goals.

7. Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past.

I've had some exciting moments in my soccer journey. One of the highlights was attending combines organized by FTF Canada. I participated in combines around Alberta and managed to earn the MVP title at both the Edmonton and Calgary combines. This recognition led to an invitation to the top 60 players in Canada camp, where top D1 schools, pro coaches, and national coaches assessed me. Being ranked as the #3 CB in Canada and #13 overall in the graduating class of 2022 by FTF was a huge honor, especially coming from Edmonton, Alberta. Around the same time, my club coach from Edmonton took a handful of us to Serbia and Hungary to compete against top academies like Ujpest Football Club, FK Crvena zvezda, and Partizan Belgrade. Traveling and playing against such strong teams really set a standard for my personal goals. Another significant achievement was captaining at Heartland College as a freshman. It was a big confidence booster and an honour to lead the team at such a young age. Most recently, I had the privilege to play with teams in Berlin, Germany. It was a fantastic experience, and although I was offered to stay, I felt it was important to finish my degree first. I would not have been able to achieve any of this without the opportunities provided by Marcus Hanson and his crew at FTF, as well as my club coach Nikola Vignjevic, and my college coach Alex Trent. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in my journey.
 
8. What is the best piece of advice you have gained from your coaches?

The best piece of advice I have gained from my coaches is to always stay humble and never stop working hard, no matter how much you succeed. My coaches emphasized that talent can only take you so far, and consistent effort, dedication, and willingness to learn and grow is what truly sets you apart. This mindset has helped me stay focused and motivated, especially during challenging times.

9. What was it about Winthrop that attracted you?

Winthrop caught my attention because it has a great combination of strong academics and a competitive sports program. The campus community feels really welcoming and supportive, and I appreciate the emphasis they place on student development both on and off the field. In addition, the coaching staff is experienced, and I am really looking forward to learning from them.

10. What does it mean to you to be a European and how did growing up there make you into the person that you are today?

I did not grow up in Europe, but I did spend lots of time in Russia when I was younger. Being born into a European family, with my mom being Russian and my dad Ukrainian, is something I am incredibly grateful for. I am surrounded by such a beautiful and rich culture, from the food to the traditions and values. Having this diverse background has given me a broader perspective on life and a deep appreciation for different cultures. It has taught me the importance of family, resilience, staying connected to my roots, and maintaining my cultural identity. The blend of Russian and Ukrainian influences in my life have shaped me into a person who values heritage, understands the importance of cultural diversity, and carries a sense of pride in where I come from.

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