Interview 3

Interview of College Athlete

Athlete: Mike Sopko
Sport: Stony Brook Lacrosse (freshman) has seen playing time

1) What were some of the things that you did in order to get recruited?

I went to college activity days; my high school coach sent out films, they came to my big games.

2) Was there anything that the coach did that helped you make your decision?

He offered me a scholarship and the college offered the major of my choice. He talked about the alumni and how they take care of us. It was also a good opportunity to play good division 1 lacrosse.

3) Is there any part of the NCAA rules that are unclear to you and if so why?

I was not sure about the gambling rule. I also was not sure of contact dates. When you can contact the coach and when he can contact you. Recruiting was toughest part due to the fact that it was difficult to contact the coaches.

4) What do you find the difference to be between high school and college sports?

The game is sped up more and the competitors are more intense. The size is different. You have to be able to adapt to the size changes. In high school everyone is your size, but when you get to college people are like 6 feet 5 inches tall. It is a big jump to the college level.

5) Is it difficult to maintain your grades and get your work done as a college athlete?

No, it really isn’t.


6) What is it like playing on the road in college?

It’s cool to see other campuses and other parts of the world, while getting to play lacrosse. It’s the experience of a lifetime.