Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1514247
26 WAC Magazine | wac.net living fit meet the athlete / wac soccer Q. How did you discover your passion for soccer? A. A lot of it comes from watching and playing with my older brother, who played soccer for Gonzaga. Also, my mom is Dutch, so she would oen take us to the Netherlands growing up, and my brother and I would play all the time there. Q. Who were your soccer role models? A. My older brother, for sure. I also looked up to a lot of the players from the Netherlands national team, especially Dennis Bergkamp. Q. Bergkamp's game-winning goal in the 1998 World Cup quarterfinals is still considered one of the best in World Cup history. A. I've seen the goal. It's something the Dutch still reminisce about. His silky touch is legendary. Q. How different was the style of play overseas compared to U.S. college soccer? A. It was completely different—everything from the pace, skill level, and style of play. It's totally different when you're playing against guys who are playing to put food on the table. Q. What are some of your favorite memories from playing in Bosnia and Serbia? A. I made my pro debut for FK Velež Mostar Bosnia and scored in my first game! Mostar was also such a beautiful city, and I loved walking around in it. I also was one of the only people on the team at the time who could drive, so one of my favorite memories is driving around in the coach's car with all the guys. Q. How has your experience been with the WAC soccer team? A. It's been awesome to sort of "grow" with the same group of guys since I joined the team. Over the past seven years, some of us have gotten married and some of us have even had kids, but we still all make the effort to get out onto the field and play together. Q. What advice would you give to young footballers with aspirations of playing in college or at the professional level? A. You've got to get those touches in and maintain your familiarity with the ball. at was one of the biggest differences when I got to Serbia and Bosnia. Playing there made me realize fundamentals and touch really matter at the next level. Meet the Athlete Mark Conrad By Joey Carreon Member Mark Conrad attended Bishop Blanchet High School and played collegiate soccer for Willamette University (2004– 2005) and the University of Puget Sound (2005–2007) before pursuing a professional soccer career in Serbia and Bosnia. A lawyer in downtown Seattle, Mark has played on the WAC men's soccer team since 2016. He also enjoys working out in Men's Fitness. u WAC member Mark Conrad has taken his soccer skills overseas and back again. He's been playing for the WAC for the past eight years. E M I L I O H U E R TA S ( 2 ) WAC SOCCER Did you know the WAC has coed and men's competitive soccer teams? Both squads practice and compete as Club representatives around the city, with the men's team competing in the Greater Seattle Soccer League. To inquire, contact Wayne Milner at wmilner@wac.net.