I sat down with Nate Mathis '10, an ex-varsity soccer recruit, to discuss the decision he made to quit the team and how it affected his Dartmouth experience.
Before you came to Dartmouth, how important was playing soccer in college to where you wanted to go to school?
NM: Not at all. I never really cared. It was a good tool to use to get into school but it was never the basis. I chose Dartmouth because it was the best school academically and socially for me. It was between here, Duke University, Harvard University and Washington and Lee University. Soccer was more of a means to end. I love soccer and it would have been nice to play, but I really just wasn't having fun.
What kind of personal expectations did you have for your soccer career at Dartmouth?
NM: I didn't expect to play much as a freshman, but the fact that I wasn't even getting playing time in practice, and that I was shooting the shit with Sean Milich '09 on the sidelines during scrimmages told something to me. Also having to get up for 7:30 team breakfasts during orientation while all my friends were having their fair share of fun kind of got to me.
Do you think you missed out on anything by not technically being on the team?
NM: To be honest, I think that being on the soccer team introduced me to a lot of people, so it was good. I met a lot of my good friends through people on the team. It had a huge influence on me. The team is awesome. I never felt out of place or uncomfortable. It was just me wanting to do other things.
Do you think a lot of kids who come here to play sports fall victim to the mind-set that they have to do it?
NM: Well I think that was definitely the case for me. I hit a tipping point where I couldn't do it anymore and I was miserable getting out of bed everyday. I talked to both of the captains before I quit. One of them even told me for him it almost wasn't worth it, and he was starting and playing every game. He was really clear about doing it because it's fun, and that you can't let the fact that you're recruited, or what your parents or your friends want you to do. You really have to do it for yourself.
In what ways do you continue to play soccer at Dartmouth?
NM: Well Alpha Delta has an indoor soccer team and an intramural team, which just came off the intramural championship this summer. I have two IM championships to my name. We're in the process of making another title run this fall, which is looking pretty likely with Alex Black ['11] between the pipes. I actually went to one of the club soccer practices this year and a few sophomore year but I felt that was even too serious for me. If it's going to be something I do for fun I want it to actually be fun. I like a more laid back environment. Also, during one of my off terms I helped to coach a team of eight- and nine-year-old girls.
Would you say that you're the all time leader in intramural goals and appearances?
NM: Yeah I'd think that would be pretty accurate to say. I also may have the most IM soccer championship t-shirts of anyone on campus. I've actually got a designated drawer of my dresser for IM soccer gear.
How is it watching the varsity team play?
NM: I'm actually probably one of the team's biggest supporters. I go to every game and try to rally my friends to go. While it is hard to recall all the time I've spent at Burnham Field in the stands, I know that I always have a great time and feel that I'm just as much a part of the team.
What do you think not playing soccer has enabled you to do at Dartmouth? How has it affected your experience?
NM: I think that soccer, even in high school, was becoming more of a chore or a job almost. I kind of realized here you should only be playing the sport because it's fun. It has certainly allowed my social life to blossom, that's for sure. I've also been given a great opportunity to excel in the classroom.
How do you perceive your legacy at Dartmouth?
NM: I just want people to remember me as someone who they've had a good time with. And someone that they will call up when they're in my town to grab a beer.
The last time you were featured in the press the Dartmouth Independent did a feature on your campaign for class president your freshman year. How have you evolved since then?
NM: Maybe the better question is "devolved" since then. No, but seriously Dartmouth has exceeded all my expectations of what college would be like and a big part of that was the decision I made freshman year. The friends I made on and off of the soccer team are still my best friends now. Looking back on it, I think I really crushed this place.
