The VCU soccer team saw tremendous success under first year head man Dave Giffard. The Rams finished the regular season in second place in the CAA, and with a young team look to continue their rise to the top of the CAA. 

One of the key returners for the 2011 Rams will be goalkeeper Josh Pantazelos. In 2010 Pantazelos finished with 0.95 goals against average, 34 saves and three shutouts. The Birmingham, Alabama native recently caught up with VCU Athletic Communications Student Assistant Andrew Phillips to see what keeps him busy off the pitch.

AP: Why did you decide to come to VCU?
JP: The reason I came to VCU was I wanted to continue to learn ,and grow as a player and person under Coach Giffard's tutelage.

AP: Who has been the most influential person in your life?
JP: The most influential person in my life has been my dad Stephan Pantazelos. Also I have been fortunate to have great teammates and coaches that have helped me grow as a player and as a person. I am blessed to have been around so many great people. I also have to give a shout out to my weight coach Ryan Horn, who does a phenomenal job preparing us during the spring and summer for competition in the fall.

AP: What are your post graduation plans?
JP: My plans after next fall will be to sit down with my coaching staff after the season, and see what options are available to accomplish my dream as becoming a professional player.

AP: What is your favorite place on VCU's campus?
JP: My favorite places on VCU Campus are Belle Isle, Cary Town, and the Village.

AP: If you could be a member of any other VCU team, which one would it be?
JP: If I could be on any other VCU sport team it would be golf. The sport challenges your psychological toughness, which is great for my position as a goal keeper. Also I just love to play.

AP: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
JP: I always cross myself before the starting whistle of every game.  As well as my net to receive favor.

AP: If you could travel to any place in the world, where would you go?
JP: If I could travel anywhere in the world for a life experience it would be the Caribbean Islands.

AP: Who has been the toughest opponent you have ever played against?
JP: The toughest opponent I have ever played against is this past year's National Champion, Akron.

Quick Hits- Favorites

Place to eat in Richmond? Chipolte
TV Show? Entourage
Movie? Shawshank Redemption
Singer/Artists/Band? Jack Johnson
Favorite Place to Play in the CAA besides VCU? George Mason
Pro Sports Team? Indianapolis Colts, Miami Heat, Tottenham Hotspur
Athlete? Peyton Manning, Lebron James, Tim Howard
Sport to watch besides soccer at VCU? Basketball at the Siegel Center