GETTING TO KNOW: SOPHOMORE YORAM MWILA

RICHMOND, Va. - The VCU men's soccer team is making noise in the race for a spot in the CAA Tournament and sophomore forward Yoram Mwila has been a big reason why.

Between classes and practice, Mwila sat down with VCU Athletic Communications Student Assistant Andrew Westcott to get to know the Lusaka, Zambia native a little more.

AW: What influenced you to transfer to VCU?
YM: Knowing Coach Giff, and knowing what his goals were for the program- I wanted to be part of something special.

AW: Favorite course this semester and why?
YM: I'd say religions studies because it has opened my eyes up to different religions.

AW: Who is your biggest mentor?
YM: I've always looked up to my mom and admired the kind of person she is.

AW: Goals for the rest of the 2010 season?
YM: Win the CAA regular season and tournament, then getting an NCAA bid and going as far as we can.

AW: What do you like most about Richmond?
YM: The diversity and culture, especially for me not being from the U.S.- You get to meet a lot of different people from all over the world.

AW: Biggest honor achieved on the soccer field?
YM: I would say playing for my country at the youth national team level and captaining the U-17 team.

AW: What was the leading factor in your coming to America?
YM: Getting an education beyond high school. I wanted to get my college degree while still being able to play soccer.

AW: How do you motivate yourself prior to each game?
YM: I think of all the people that would want to be in the position that I am in, and am very grateful. I focus on getting better every time I step out onto the field.

Quick Hits-

Favorite restaurant in Richmond? The Village
Musician? T.I.
Actor? Denzel Washington
Dream girl? Megan Fox- Haha, but not by a lot.
Sport to play other than Soccer? I play ping pong, and swim a bit.
Most memorable moment of 2010 World Cup? Seeing Ghana advance as far as they did and knowing they could've gone further had they not missed that PK!
Most desired vacation spot? Bahamas
Favorite aspect of VCU campus? I like how it's spread out- Akron was much more central.