Diversity vital part in team

As the school year begins and sports seasons start Jorge Cota, senior, prepares for his last season of soccer.

Cota is on an international student visa, and has been playing soccer since he was 5 years old. Cota said that he decided to play in the United States because scholarships are scarce where he is from in Canada.

When comparing the differences between the countries, Cota said that the States are much more competitive. He commented that American athletes even take high school sports to a new level.

Some of the big changes he faced when entering into American soccer were the physicality and some of the regular style of soccer was slightly different.

"Building up physically was the hardest part," Cota said. "Americans take sports much more serious here and your body is your best tool."

Cota also said that college has helped develop him not only physically, but mentally as well.

"It has made me reach a higher degree than I would have in Canada," he said. "I'd love to return to Canada and continue playing soccer. Someday I would love to play for a MLS team."

The head coach for the men's soccer team, Bob Casper, noticed that because Cota came from Canada he was a little older than the typical freshman. He said that this played to Cota's advantage.

Coach Casper notes that Cota took to the team right away. He also believes having him on the team brings a mix of culture onto the field and into the college experience.

Marvin Graham, a senior and winner of KCAC athlete of the week award, has played soccer with Cota for three years. Graham said that the first year of playing he could tell a difference in the way that Cota talked about soccer. Graham also commented that the International students are a vital part of their team.

"They are talented individuals and they give more diversity to the style of playing," Graham said.