Today, we continue our Alumni Spotlight series with former Hatter Jim Foley. Foley is a 1993 Stetson University graduate and was one of a few Stetson men's soccer players to play professionally.
In the November edition, we conducted a Q and A with Jim Foley.
Q: How did you start playing Soccer and why?
A: I started playing soccer when I was 3 years old in the backyard as did everyone in my hometown of Guilford, CT. Guilford is a soccer town, and we had the Connecticut Bicentennials NASL team back in the 80's so all my friends wanted to play for them!
Q: Favorite current or past players/favorite team you support?
A: Favorite players, Georgio Chinaglia, Maradona, Pele, Frank Lampard – I support Chelsea in the EPL, Nashville Soccer Club and Columbus Crew, MLS (my former team for a short stint) and the Charleston Battery of the USL where I spent 95-98
Q: Why Stetson?
A: I verbally committed to UCONN to play during my Senior year of HS but my high school coach, Marty Ryczek, class of '74 and Stetson Soccer and Baseball HOF said I should check out Stetson where he went and played. Gary McKinley came up and saw me play and invited me down to visit and I was immediately sold on the campus, academics, smaller campus feel and of course the weather. Also, after seeing the schedule and future year schedule with the likes of UCONN, Wake, UNC, USF, Central Connecticut, Western Michigan, BC, FIU, UCF, Clemson, it all came together and I committed to play at Stetson in December of 87.
Q: Hardest and best parts about being a Division I Athlete?
A: Hardest part of being a D1 Athlete is that you really have to step up and learn time management. Early workouts, class, training, travel, homework, make up tests and the school – soccer balance was also a challenge early on
Q: What is your favorite Stetson Men's Soccer memory?
A: Beating USF 2-1 my sophomore year when they were ranked in top 20 and scoring both of the goals. Also playing several top 20 teams throughout my career
Q: How has your career progressed since Stetson? How did the Men's Soccer Program prepare you for the workforce?
A: I graduated in 93 and was fortunate to play professionally from 93-98 before retiring. From there I went into medical software and services sales in 99 and still am in sales today. Soccer really prepared me and taught me to be a team player, work hard, be a leader and never give up, As I continuously tried to improve my soccer craft by doing the little things during my college and pro soccer career, I still do those extra little things today in my business career to try and develop and improve.
Q: What recommendations would you give to graduating members of the program on how to choose a career and how to find a job?
A: I would encourage every student athlete to figure out their passion and go for it. Even if it takes a few years and your passion changes, continue to dig deeper to figure it out post-graduation. Take advantage of all the relationships, alumni connections and other resources available to you at Stetson. I graduated with a Sports Management and business minor degree and sell medical software so you never know where your career will take you. Just be patient!!
Q: What advice would you give to current and future members of the Stetson Men's Soccer Program?
A: I would say that playing collegiate soccer no matter what division is a huge accomplishment and be proud of what you accomplished. Always remember that your 4 years go fast, take it all in, work your butts off individually and as a team both on and off the field, be leaders and mentor the younger players coming in. Always remember that you were in their shoes!!
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