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