Oct. 29, 2007
Junior Conor Neusel has been a consistent part of the Hoyas' midfield since his arrival on the Hilltop prior to the 2006 season. The transfer from Vanderbilt tallied five points on two goals and an assist last season before starting in half of the team's games this year. Neusel, who is leaning towards being a finance major, sat down with Hoya Headliner earlier this week.
HH: What was the transition like for you from the high school game to the college game? Explain the transition for a transfer student-athlete?
CN: The biggest transition for me from high school to college was the "dorm experience". It was just different than anything else I had experienced before. As a transfer student, it was a little hard to come in and meet non-soccer players as most people have their base of friends. It's an ongoing process but during the season I am mostly with the team.
HH: Who do you look to for advice when you need it?
CN: I think it depends on the situation. I probably ask advice of my Dad and my sister. I'm the youngest of three. My sister is 27 and my brother, T.J., is 24. He plays soccer at a community college in St. Louis. T.J. and I talk about once a week, talking about the soccer season and a whole bunch of other stuff.
HH: What were some of the reasons you attended Georgetown?
CN: I think the Georgetown education is the easy answer. I knew where Georgetown was because of its basketball history but once I visited, I just thought campus life fit my personality real well.
HH: What song gets you pumped up before games?
CN: I like U2 but anything from the Rocky IV soundtrack can get the heart pumping.
HH: If you could be on any reality show, which one would you choose? Why?
CN: (laughing) America's Next Top Model.
HH: Who is your favorite player of all-time in any particular sport?
CN: My favorite player is soccer player George Best. He was possibly the best soccer player of his time but he didn't hit it in the international scene. I think he was David Beckham before David Beckham.
HH: What would you do if you won a million dollars?
CN: I would fly my friends from home and friends from school out to St. Louis. We'd go to a St. Louis Rams game and have a big party.
HH: What do you like to do in the off-season?
CN: I try to enjoy the college life. My teammates and I play a lot of Xbox and Tiger Woods Golf.
HH: What is your favorite quote from your Coach?
CN: He says some interesting things when he's explaining the game. Sometimes he says things and all of us will look at each other with funny looks.
HH: What is the best/worst thing about living in D.C.?
CN: The worst thing about living in D.C. is the August humidity. It is just awful. The best thing about living in D.C. is that there is always a lot to do.
HH: What is your "breakfast of champions?"
CN: A bacon, chedder cheese and egg sandwich from Einstein Bagels.
HH: If you could get front row tickets to any concert, now or in the past, which would it be?
CN: Billy Joel. I've never seen him. I'd spend a couple of hundred bucks to see him live.
HH: What is your favorite holiday?
CN: Halloween, I like the fall and October.
HH: When did you first start playing soccer?
CN: I was about six. My older brother was playing and I'd like to hang with him. Typical brother stuff.
HH: When did you know that you wanted to play soccer competitively in college?
CN: In high school, there was a lot of interest in from college coaches. I thought I was going to get a chance to play somewhere.
HH: Who is your biggest rival?
CN: I think George Washington. They're right down the road from us. I know we play them almost every year.
HH: What was the best moment in your career so far?
CN: Winning the U-17 National Championship in Orlando at the Disney Complex with the Scott Gallagher club team.
HH: What is a typical practice like?
CN: At this point in the season we work on individual stuff in the beginning and focus on getting ready for games the rest of the time. It's just a matter of keeping sharp at this time of year.
HH: If you could change one thing about soccer what would it be?
CN: I don't like seeing the diving and the theatrics of players trying to draw fouls. It is a bit over the top.
HH: If you could be great at any other sport or event besides soccer, what would it be?
CN: Tennis, I really like the one-on-one competition.
HH: Who in your life inspires you the most?
CN: My grandfather did before he passed away. He was a great role model in all aspects of life.
HH: What do you consider to be your biggest fear?
CN: Figuring out my dream job.
HH: Favorite Georgetown restaurant?
CN: The pepperoni pizza from Philly Pizza.
HH: Favorite TV show?
CN: The Office.
HH: Favorite movie?
CN: Old School, it's hilarious.
HH: Freshman dorm?
CN: LXR
HH: Any advice for anyone who wants to join soccer?
CN: Keep playing and keep developing.
HH: Booey's or Wisey's?
CN: Wisey's
