Two Summers In One: Q&A with Kristian Garciamendez-Rowold
7/31/2013 3:45:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Leading up to the first preseason practice, we've been conducting weekly Q&A's with members of the Davidson men's soccer team and head coach Matt Spear. This week's profile is on junior defender Kristian Garciaméndez-Rowold.
Q&A Kristian Garciamendez-Rowold
Give an overview of how your summer played out.
KG: I wanted to experience as much science as possible throughout this summer. So therefore, I looked into research and medical internships. Searching for a possibility to do both, I found a research internship at Davidson (RISE) that would last for the first half of the summer, leaving the second half of the summer open for medical internships. For the second half of the summer, I decided to search abroad for medical opportunities because first, it would educate me with how a different country goes about with its medical field (whether that be insurance or treatment-wise), and also, it would give me a similar experience as studying abroad, which I will not be able to do during the school year. Thus, I was able to find a 5-week program in a hospital near Cologne, Germany where I could work with medical students during their practical year and assist them with their daily tasks, such as taking blood, going to medical seminars, and shadowing several types of doctors from surgeons to family doctors.
When exams wrapped up in May, what did you in terms of soccer and how has the summer training been going?
KG: When exams wrapped up, I immediately went home and spent time with my family since I would not be able to see them for a long stretch throughout the summer. At home, I would train with my friend who plays at Saint Louis University and with my ex-Georgetown keeper brother who, contrary to many stereotypes about goalies, has one of the best soccer touch I have ever seen. When I returned to Davidson for my research project, I would lift weights during my lunch break and would run and train with teammate George Kaloudis. Three days a week I would train with the Carolina Rapids U23 pickup squad and even got to play a game against the Charlotte Soccer Academy U23 team. When I went to a soccer loving country in Germany, all I had to do was ask my host father where I could play pick-up and he led me the first Monday to his pick-up game with his friends. From then, I asked the players if I could train anywhere else and they would be really helpful and set me up with a team. Towards the end of my stay, I was training at a high level with the first string adult squad of the local club in my town just outside of Cologne.
Describe your time in Davidson during the middle part of the summer.
KG: My time in Davidson was difficult but relaxing at the same time. I had to finish my metagenomics research project by a certain due date and then be ready to go straight to Germany. In this research project, I was able to learn certain techniques that are used in various science labs. It will help me for research opportunities in the future and I am very thankful of Dr. Barsoum for allowing me to work in his lab. Having several friends in town that I knew staying over the summer was nice as we watched the NBA playoffs and I was able to enjoy my summer break. I also was even able to travel across country to Stanford University to see my sister graduate.
When you decided to attend Davidson, did an interest in pre-medicine, research, and travel abroad impact your decision?
KG: Yes. When making my decision to attend Davidson, I did some research on their pre-medicine program, research, and travel abroad opportunities. For example, Davidson's pre-medicine program has a high medical school attendance rate. Also, there aren't any graduate students on campus, giving undergraduates more of a chance to do research on campus. And lastly, Davidson has a high study abroad percentage. Even though I was not particularly looking to study abroad, I was looking to work abroad and having any connections abroad is helpful. All of these statistics made an enormous impact on my decision to come to Davidson.
Describe your parents'/family background and how that impacted your decision to spend time in Germany. How was your experience there?
KG: My parents were both born in Mexico City, and my mom's family comes from Germany. Therefore, I have always had a strong connection to Germany, proven (somehow) through a German Passport. Since we have family in Germany, I was able to connect myself with the right people to work in a hospital. My experience has been great and worthwhile. I have been able to learn simple techniques that medical students must learn, such as taking blood and putting in IV catheters, while also following doctors, seeing surgeries, and witnessing special medical instruments in use, such as a gastroscopy or endoscopy of the heart. I have been able to enjoy all of this while also playing the international game of "fuβball." Mostly everyone has been welcoming in allowing for me to train with them and in suggesting other places where I could train at a higher level. It has been great getting to experience the game of soccer in a country where it is the top sport.
With a solid past year at central defender, what are your hopes for the 2013 season?
KG: As a team, our goal is to win the SoCon and to make a run in the NCAA tournament. Collectively, we have taken the mental and physical strides necessary to put ourselves in a great position. We need to continue to cement our growth defensively as a unit stemming from last spring and to execute on both sides of the field when it comes time to. The SoCon is open and we are determined to take it.