Muhammad Ali once said, "Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision."
This depiction of a champion characterizes UB's men's soccer player Matt Stuczynski. Both athletically and personally, his passion defines his love for soccer.
The junior defender was born and raised in Erie, Pa. and is majoring in business management. Stuczynski is all business on the field as well, where he plays defense for the Bulls.
"My position is defender. My main goal as a defender is to prevent the other team from scoring, but as an outside back I am also supposed to attack," said Stuczynski.
Soccer has become a fundamental part of his life, and this evolution started with his father and has trickled down to him.
"My dad played soccer in college and now soccer affects my life (too)," Stuczynski said.
Stuczynski's soccer career started when he played for his hometown high school team at Cathedral Prep High School in Erie. During his tenure at Cathedral Prep, Stuczynski earned four letters and was named team captain.
His love for soccer is what attracted him to Buffalo, as well as to UB head coach John Astudillo. In his three years at UB Stuczynski has become a solid player for the team.
In 2002, Stuczynski started only six games, but didn't once complain about his playing time. Then, in the 2003 season, Stuczynski was given the starting position, and went on to start all of the games that season, showing the determination and drive that he contained.
For Stuczynski, soccer has become more than a game. It has affected him personally, becoming a main trait of his personality.
"Soccer has affected my life and I wouldn't be where I am today without it," said Stuczynski. "I expect soccer to affect my future after college as well."
With soccer being such a dominant part of his life, it is not a big surprise that Stuczynski aspires to be a coach of a college soccer team after he graduates.
"My major is Business Management but my future goals are to be a college soccer coach with a business on the side," said Stuczynski.
Likewise, he said he loves the sport of soccer because of the experiences that soccer provides for him to grow as an individual. He has had the opportunity, like many athletes do, to meet new people and make new friends.
"The best thing about soccer to me is being able to meet people from all over the world," said Stuczynski. "Our team consists of players from America, Canada, Mali, Trinidad, Jamaica, England, Bosnia, and Australia."
Five Random Questions
Q: What is you favorite sports moment as a fan?
A: "My favorite sports moment as a fan was attending the World Cup in 1994 to see Holland vs. Morocco."
Q: What cell phone company do you prefer?
A: "I prefer Verizon with the In-Network because most of my friends have Verizon."
Q: How do you feel about parking on campus?
A: "I absolutely hate parking on campus, especially parking at alumni. I have to travel to alumni probably twice a day and I can never even find parking there."
Q: What other position would you want to play on the field?
A: "If I could play another position on the field it would be center mid. I love center mid because you're always involved in the play."
Q: Do you have any pets at home?
A: "I have three cats at home. Their names are Archie, Kobe, and Rory."
