Second-year Michael Hurley is a regular starter and major contributor on Grinnell’s men’s soccer team. On Sunday, Sept. 8, he had three shots on goal as part of the Pioneers’ first season victory over Buena Vista University. The team’s current record is 2-4, coming off a 5-1 loss against Simpson College on Wednesday, Sept. 18. The Pioneers’ next game is with Lake Forest College here at Grinnell at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 21 and then again at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 22 against Carroll University.
When did you first start playing soccer?
When I could walk. I mean, the youngest age possible: 4 or 5. Somewhere around there.
What do you enjoy most about the game?
I enjoy the camaraderie, just playing with all my friends.
What’s your favorite part of being a midfielder?
Midfielder’s the best position. What’s my favorite part? I like being a two-way player—playing offense and defense and contributing to the team.
What is the fondest memory you have from your soccer career?
I’ll give you some fond Grinnell memories. Last year we came back and beat Ripon 2-1 after being down 1-0 with five minutes left or so to go into the [Midwest Conference] tournament. That was really cool. Scoring the first collegiate goal was cool. Then, just the barbecues at Coach [Brian Jaworski’s] house.
What is it like playing on the Grinnell team?
It’s definitely a family atmosphere. It’s great. We eat meals together—things like that. Now that I think about it, for my fondest memory, it was winning the “Pumpkin Cup” as the team “Green Machine” when I was five years old. That was a really funny team.
How difficult is it for you to balance academics and soccer?
I actually think that during the soccer season I’m more balanced because you’re just forced to be. You don’t have the same time to screw around with people. I mean, it’s tough but a lot of people here—a lot of people—have commitments.
Could you describe the relationship between the men’s and women’s teams?
I would equate it to a family, as well. We like to support each other, and it’s really nice to see the women out at our games, and I’m sure they feel the same way when we’re out supporting them.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from playing soccer?
The best lesson that I’ve learned from playing soccer is “bingo bango bongo.” One of my coaches says, “bingo bango bongo.”