University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Costa Rica Trip for UNC Asheville Men’s Soccer a Microcosm of What it Truly Means to be a Bulldog
06.01.2017 | Men's Soccer
Photo Gallery on Facebook (Click Link to Access)
COSTA RICA - The process of building a program is painful sometimes and it has its ups and downs as well, but the hard work is necessary in building something unique, and UNC Asheville men's soccer head coach Mathes Mennell believes his program is taking the right steps in becoming something truly special.
In fact, the recent 10-day trip to Costa Rica for UNC Asheville men's soccer further reinforced how things are taking shape with his program on and off the pitch.
"I think that the trip only cemented what we already knew in that we have a really tight-knit group who really care about each other," Mennell said. "They also really desire to be leaders for others on and off the pitch. It was special to see them as they interacted with the kids during our community service work. You cannot manufacture their genuine and heartfelt approach to working for others so selflessly."
That selfless attitude and hard work in all facets allowed the Bulldogs to be successful in their trip to Costa Rica on the pitch as well as they finished with one win, two draws and one loss against top-notch competition.
"I thought we played pretty well overall," Mennell said. "We played four opponents that had similarities, but also were quite different. The main overarching theme was that we are at our best when we use possession to attack and also are very aggressive when we are trying to regain possession. We want to be on the ball, we want to score goals and I love this about our group."
The style of play and the bond among the group continues to have Mennell and his staff excited for the upcoming 2017 season and beyond.
"I think that the bonds strengthened during the trip and they will really be evident when we get back together this fall," Mennell said. "There was not much adversity on this trip as the games are friendlies, but I do think that the team-building will really show when we get into the day-to-day grind that is the season. That being said, being immersed with each other for 9-10 days, well, you really do get to know your teammates on a very intimate level."
Before the Bulldogs left for the 10-day trip to Costa Rica, Mennell mentioned how this type of trip is "a once in a lifetime" type of journey. That's why he is extremely thankful to work somewhere like UNC Asheville where the student-athlete experience is truly valued.
"Every athletic department talks about the student-athlete experience and how it is paramount," Mennell said. "However, to be fortunate enough to work at UNC Asheville where everyone from the Chancellor to the Athletic Director to the volunteer assistant coach embodies this mantra daily is truly unique. I hope we will be a better soccer team because of this, but I know we will be better Bulldogs. I am not sure you can ask for a better statement of actual commitment to making the total development of student-athletes a priority. This trip proves UNC Asheville's commitment on every level."
That commitment and pride in all areas is easily seen on the faces of the UNC Asheville men's soccer players currently, and Mennell knows that he has a group of Bulldogs that are on the verge of taking UNC Asheville men's soccer to new heights.
"I think that our fans and our community can really take pride in what we are building here at UNC Asheville, and, specifically, in our program," Mennell said. "This trip is a microcosm of what it means to be a Bulldog. We want to set the example in everything - academics, our play on the field, our interaction with the community, the way we talk, the way we travel … all of these things and countless more arenas are places we want to 'win.' When you endeavor to be the best and to do it in the right way, well, that consistent goodness leads to greatness, and 'The Pursuit of Greatness' is what this is truly all about."
To learn more about UNC Asheville men's soccer, please visit uncabulldogs.com. You can also follow UNC Asheville men's soccer on Twitter and Instagram at @UNCA_MSOC.
More From the UNC Asheville Men's Soccer Trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica Video Highlights
Photo Gallery on Facebook (Click Link to Access)
Final Full Day Blog and Photos
Day Eight Blog and Photos
Day Seven Blog and Photos
Day Six Blog and Photos
Day Five Blog and Photos
Day Four Blog and Photos
Day Three Blog and Photos
Day Two Blog and Photos
Day One Blog and Photos
UNC Asheville Excited for "Once in a Lifetime Opportunity" (Story ahead of trip to Costa Rica)
COSTA RICA - The process of building a program is painful sometimes and it has its ups and downs as well, but the hard work is necessary in building something unique, and UNC Asheville men's soccer head coach Mathes Mennell believes his program is taking the right steps in becoming something truly special.
In fact, the recent 10-day trip to Costa Rica for UNC Asheville men's soccer further reinforced how things are taking shape with his program on and off the pitch.
"I think that the trip only cemented what we already knew in that we have a really tight-knit group who really care about each other," Mennell said. "They also really desire to be leaders for others on and off the pitch. It was special to see them as they interacted with the kids during our community service work. You cannot manufacture their genuine and heartfelt approach to working for others so selflessly."
That selfless attitude and hard work in all facets allowed the Bulldogs to be successful in their trip to Costa Rica on the pitch as well as they finished with one win, two draws and one loss against top-notch competition.
"I thought we played pretty well overall," Mennell said. "We played four opponents that had similarities, but also were quite different. The main overarching theme was that we are at our best when we use possession to attack and also are very aggressive when we are trying to regain possession. We want to be on the ball, we want to score goals and I love this about our group."
The style of play and the bond among the group continues to have Mennell and his staff excited for the upcoming 2017 season and beyond.
"I think that the bonds strengthened during the trip and they will really be evident when we get back together this fall," Mennell said. "There was not much adversity on this trip as the games are friendlies, but I do think that the team-building will really show when we get into the day-to-day grind that is the season. That being said, being immersed with each other for 9-10 days, well, you really do get to know your teammates on a very intimate level."
Before the Bulldogs left for the 10-day trip to Costa Rica, Mennell mentioned how this type of trip is "a once in a lifetime" type of journey. That's why he is extremely thankful to work somewhere like UNC Asheville where the student-athlete experience is truly valued.
"Every athletic department talks about the student-athlete experience and how it is paramount," Mennell said. "However, to be fortunate enough to work at UNC Asheville where everyone from the Chancellor to the Athletic Director to the volunteer assistant coach embodies this mantra daily is truly unique. I hope we will be a better soccer team because of this, but I know we will be better Bulldogs. I am not sure you can ask for a better statement of actual commitment to making the total development of student-athletes a priority. This trip proves UNC Asheville's commitment on every level."
That commitment and pride in all areas is easily seen on the faces of the UNC Asheville men's soccer players currently, and Mennell knows that he has a group of Bulldogs that are on the verge of taking UNC Asheville men's soccer to new heights.
"I think that our fans and our community can really take pride in what we are building here at UNC Asheville, and, specifically, in our program," Mennell said. "This trip is a microcosm of what it means to be a Bulldog. We want to set the example in everything - academics, our play on the field, our interaction with the community, the way we talk, the way we travel … all of these things and countless more arenas are places we want to 'win.' When you endeavor to be the best and to do it in the right way, well, that consistent goodness leads to greatness, and 'The Pursuit of Greatness' is what this is truly all about."
To learn more about UNC Asheville men's soccer, please visit uncabulldogs.com. You can also follow UNC Asheville men's soccer on Twitter and Instagram at @UNCA_MSOC.
More From the UNC Asheville Men's Soccer Trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica Video Highlights
Photo Gallery on Facebook (Click Link to Access)
Final Full Day Blog and Photos
Day Eight Blog and Photos
Day Seven Blog and Photos
Day Six Blog and Photos
Day Five Blog and Photos
Day Four Blog and Photos
Day Three Blog and Photos
Day Two Blog and Photos
Day One Blog and Photos
UNC Asheville Excited for "Once in a Lifetime Opportunity" (Story ahead of trip to Costa Rica)
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