Aaron West '08
Wildcats Forever: Aaron West
7/15/2011 10:00:53 AM | Men's Soccer
Previous Features
With 10 seasons in the history books for Davidson men's soccer head coach Matt Spear, DavidsonWildcats.com got in touch with a senior from each of his 10 teams to discuss their memories of Davidson and see where they are now.
Starting with 2001 and concluding with 2010, DavidsonWildcats.com will post a Q & A with an alumnus every Friday. This week's feature is Aaron West.
Aaron West (2004-07), an exciting player, was a key part of the Wildcats midfield during his career, competing in 65 games despite battling injuries. He scored seven goals during his career including one against nationally-ranked Duke.
Q: Why and how did you choose Davidson?
A: I chose Davidson because I loved the atmosphere of the campus, the vibrant support from the student body for the soccer team and the fact that I could get a world-class education just two hours from home.
Q: Do you remember the first time you met Coach Spear during the recruiting process? What was your first impression?
A: The first time I met Coach Spear he seemed like a very down-to-earth person, but he was clearly very intelligent and enthusiastic about Davidson soccer.
Q: What were some of your favorite memories from your Davidson Soccer days?
A: I remember beating UNC Charlotte 3-2 in front of our fans and the euphoric feeling around the stadium when the final whistle blew. Another great memory was coming from behind to beat College of Charleston 3-2, with fellow class of '08 member Jon Bassett scoring his first career goal.
Q: What would you consider to be your top play or game?
A: My best game was probably against Duke my junior year. I struggled with injury throughout my Davidson career, but I came back into form in that game, scoring against the school I hate most in front of their fans. Unfortunately, I tore my groin in that game as well!
Q: What were your favorite memories off the field?
A: Some of my best times came from just relaxing in the locker room with my teammates before and after training sessions, lounging in Commons for meals and on bus trips to and from away games. Those are some of the experiences that bring teams together and make the athletic experience worthwhile off the pitch.
Q: What was your major and how did the academic and athletic experience help you moving forward?
A: I was a Spanish major and that coupled with my team athletic experience has helped me tremendously as I seek to move forward in my professional career.
Q: Where are you now, and what are you doing now?
A: I currently live just outside of Chapel Hill and recently wrapped up my role as a Grassroots Marketing Coordinator for Eurosport Soccer in Hillsborough, N.C.
Q: What are some tips you would have for current recruits considering Davidson?
A: Make sure to understand the demands of being a varsity athlete at Davidson. The mental, physical and time commitment can be daunting, but if you're able to balance it, you'll have an enjoyable experience.
Q: What advice would you pass along to current Davidson players?
A: Enjoy your time while you're there! The real world comes quicker than you might expect.
Q: What do you miss the most now from playing soccer at Davidson?
A: The beautiful pitch we were able to step on for every home game was nothing short of magnificent.
Q: How often have you been able to return to Davidson to catch a game?
A: I've been to a home game at least once every year since I graduated.
Q: Any favorite “Coach Spear-isms” you want to share?
A: Coach Spear would always greet me with a squeaky "HEY BUD" when I dropped by his office to see him. He never failed to ask me if I'd seen a play or heard about a result from the weekend or recent matches in the world of soccer.
- Jon Tetirick '02
- Soren Johnson '03
- Justin Porter '04
- Joey Bass '05
- John Latting '06
- David Sartorio '07
With 10 seasons in the history books for Davidson men's soccer head coach Matt Spear, DavidsonWildcats.com got in touch with a senior from each of his 10 teams to discuss their memories of Davidson and see where they are now.
Starting with 2001 and concluding with 2010, DavidsonWildcats.com will post a Q & A with an alumnus every Friday. This week's feature is Aaron West.
Aaron West (2004-07), an exciting player, was a key part of the Wildcats midfield during his career, competing in 65 games despite battling injuries. He scored seven goals during his career including one against nationally-ranked Duke.
Q: Why and how did you choose Davidson?
A: I chose Davidson because I loved the atmosphere of the campus, the vibrant support from the student body for the soccer team and the fact that I could get a world-class education just two hours from home.
Q: Do you remember the first time you met Coach Spear during the recruiting process? What was your first impression?
A: The first time I met Coach Spear he seemed like a very down-to-earth person, but he was clearly very intelligent and enthusiastic about Davidson soccer.
Q: What were some of your favorite memories from your Davidson Soccer days?
A: I remember beating UNC Charlotte 3-2 in front of our fans and the euphoric feeling around the stadium when the final whistle blew. Another great memory was coming from behind to beat College of Charleston 3-2, with fellow class of '08 member Jon Bassett scoring his first career goal.
Q: What would you consider to be your top play or game?
A: My best game was probably against Duke my junior year. I struggled with injury throughout my Davidson career, but I came back into form in that game, scoring against the school I hate most in front of their fans. Unfortunately, I tore my groin in that game as well!
Q: What were your favorite memories off the field?
A: Some of my best times came from just relaxing in the locker room with my teammates before and after training sessions, lounging in Commons for meals and on bus trips to and from away games. Those are some of the experiences that bring teams together and make the athletic experience worthwhile off the pitch.
Q: What was your major and how did the academic and athletic experience help you moving forward?
A: I was a Spanish major and that coupled with my team athletic experience has helped me tremendously as I seek to move forward in my professional career.
Q: Where are you now, and what are you doing now?
A: I currently live just outside of Chapel Hill and recently wrapped up my role as a Grassroots Marketing Coordinator for Eurosport Soccer in Hillsborough, N.C.
Q: What are some tips you would have for current recruits considering Davidson?
A: Make sure to understand the demands of being a varsity athlete at Davidson. The mental, physical and time commitment can be daunting, but if you're able to balance it, you'll have an enjoyable experience.
Q: What advice would you pass along to current Davidson players?
A: Enjoy your time while you're there! The real world comes quicker than you might expect.
Q: What do you miss the most now from playing soccer at Davidson?
A: The beautiful pitch we were able to step on for every home game was nothing short of magnificent.
Q: How often have you been able to return to Davidson to catch a game?
A: I've been to a home game at least once every year since I graduated.
Q: Any favorite “Coach Spear-isms” you want to share?
A: Coach Spear would always greet me with a squeaky "HEY BUD" when I dropped by his office to see him. He never failed to ask me if I'd seen a play or heard about a result from the weekend or recent matches in the world of soccer.
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