Wake Forest's junior midfielder Sam Cronin has made a name for himself on a team that has seen a lot of success in recent years. Cronin, who stayed in his hometown of Winston-Salem for his college career, was one of the first freshman to play in and start 23 matches in a season. He was named the team's MVP as a sophomore in 2006, and has helped lead the Deacons to a No. 1 national ranking so far in 2007 as a team captain.
How did you get started playing soccer?
My three brothers played and my dad was involved with coaching when we were younger, so it was a family thing at first.
What was it like growing up in such an athletic family?
It helped me to be around athletics a lot. If I didn't have a game, I was at one of my brothers' games. It kept me focused and around the game quite a bit.
What is your greatest accomplishment as an athlete?
I'd say making the College Cup last year. We had a good run. We had a really close team that did a lot of good things and had the most successful season in Wake Forest soccer history.
What do you still hope to accomplish?
We have a lot of good players back this season and have had a good start so far this year. We hope to win a couple more games and make it back to the College Cup.
Who has been your most influential role model?
I would have to say my parents. They have supported me throughout my soccer career and life in general. They gave me the best opportunities to succeed in school and soccer, and in growing up to be a good person. They've always been there for me whenever I needed anything.
What was the best advice you've received from a coach?
The best advice, I think, is just to get better, keep your goal small and take it one day at a time. Don't worry about winning a championship today, we just have to worry about getting better today and everything else will fall in place. Basically, just taking it one step at a time and setting small goals for yourself is the best advice I've received.
What is your most memorable moment in sports?
I would say last year at Spry Stadium here at Wake Forest when we beat Santa Clara to make the College Cup. It was a fun atmosphere, and there were a lot of people there to see us make the College Cup for the first time.
What is it like playing every day in a conference as competitive as the ACC?
It's a lot of fun. You know that you can never take any days off - you have to come ready to play every day and be focused. Whether you're the first team in the ACC or the ninth team, there's not much of a disparity. I'd say the evenness of the league and how difficult every team is and every match is makes you prepare every week, every practice, to make things right and get better.
Why did you choose Wake Forest?
I think for me, it was just a great blend of academics and athletics. It's obviously one of the best academic institutions in the country, and soccer-wise, under the coaching staff we're heading in the right direction and getting closer to a championship. When I was in high school, I always heard how much players would develop here. It was a no-brainer for me.
What are the benefits or drawbacks of going to college in your hometown?
At first, I was a little hesitant, but since I've been here I've seen a lot of benefits. I get to see my friends and family a lot and I always have support in the stands at the games. I think the support system and being close to home has paid off. I haven't gotten annoyed with it or anything. I know some people want to go far away from home, but I've enjoyed staying close and seeing all my friends and family.
Do you have any plans yet for after graduation?
I'll graduate next fall, a semester early. Hopefully I'll have a chance to play soccer afterwards, but if not, I have to find something else to do, I guess!
Sam Cronin and the Demon Deacons are in Winston-Salem for a two-game homestand. They face ACC foe Maryland tomorrow (9/29) at 7 p.m. in Spry Stadium, and host a non-conference tilt with Elon on Tuesday (10/2) at 7 p.m.
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