Soccer freshman making waves

By Alison Kight
Senior Staff Writer

The flat expanse of grass at Cage FIeld is more than just a collegiate soccer field for UK freshman Sean Mondelli -- it also serves as a possible building block for things to come. "I don't know what's going to happen with me and soccer in the future," Mondelli said. "I'd like to eventually play (professional soccer) somewhere, but my parents wanted me to go to college first."

Mondelli has had a taste of what soccer is like over in Europe, where it is popular to the point of fanaticism. He played on the Under-18 Men's National Team two springs ago and traveled to England, where he saw action against several British squads.

One of his fondest soccer memories occurred while he was on the national team.

"I scored the winning goal against a team where the score was 1-0, and I was voted the most valuable player for that game," he said. "It was pretty exciting for me."

Mondelli's experience in Europe certainly explains a lot, considering his impressive performance against then-fifth-ranked Indiana. Mondelli came off the bench to score the only goal of the game during the second overtime.

"I can't describe the victory (over Indiana)," Mondelli said. "I've never seen our coach and our team so happy."

Mondelli's efforts in the Indiana game earned him Mid-American Conference player of the week honors, as well as the attention of fans and players alike.

"In one word, the best way to describe Sean would be exciting," teammate Brian Dausman said. "Every time he gets the ball he looks like he's going to score. He's a flashy player, really flamboyant."

One disadvantage Mondelli deals with is his 5-foot-5 frame, which often doesn't quite measure up to opposing defenders he must contend with.

"He's so quick, he just blows by people," Dausman said.

Mondelli's interest in soccer began 11 years ago, when he brought home a flyer for the sport from school.

"No one else in my family plays, so I guess it kind of came out of left field," he said. "But I've been playing ever since."

He continued playing through grade school and junior high, and lettered four years while at Tates Creek High School. He earned All-State and All-City honors during his senior season, and was named Kentucky's Gatorade Player of the Year. He was also a member of the Region II All Star Team and was a Parade and NSCAA All-American.

But for Mondelli, the awards don't mean as much as the game itself.

"I'm definitely going to miss it when the season is over," he said. "It's the biggest part of my life right now."

Mondelli said he does experience some difficulty juggling soccer with college life.

"School is so hard with soccer, but I'm trying to keep up with everything," he said. "I'm just so focused on the season that sometimes it's hard to think of anything else."

Mondelli's determination and focus has paid off for him so far this season, though.