Jan. 10, 2007

Nick Pozzessere, a sophomore defenseman from the Men's Soccer Team, and Biology Major finds time to pursue both interests at Saint Joseph's University. As a student and secondly as a soccer player, Nick has shown a competitive side that demands excellence at every level. Excellence has been reached by this student athlete ever since his high school days. Pozzessere, a 2005 graduate from Hazleton High School lettered in two sports, soccer and baseball. Not only did he achieve all-state status and help his soccer team to a 16-2 record his senior year, but he also played on Hazleton's District Champion baseball team that same year. In an age where kids are brought up specializing in one sport, it is nice to see an athlete reach these levels of success in two sports.

Upon graduation, and coming to St. Joseph's, this all-state, and two-time all conference first team high school soccer star, wasted no his freshman year, starting in ever game. In high school he spent two years playing defense, and the other two years rotating between attack and midfield. It was only natural that he first started out in the Hawks midfield his freshman season, a position that requires both strong defensive and offensive capabilities. While playing the first half of the 2005 season at midfield he tallied one goal and one assists, with nine other shots on goal.

After playing the first half of his freshman year from the midfield, he switched back to his natural position as a defender. When asked which he preferred, defense or offense, he quickly responded, "defense," although he later added, that every now and again he would relish the opportunity to play offense and get a chance for another scoring opportunity.

This past season he became a regular starter on defense throughout the soccer season. This past season, a defense made up of primarily sophomores and juniors kept many of the games close, and forced several into overtime. The defense was one of the stronger points during the past season for the Hawks Men's Soccer team.

While off the field, this two year starter, demands the same excellence in the classroom. Choosing biology as a incoming freshman can be a daunting task for any young college student, yet he was determined to succeed. With nearly one and half years of education, and two soccer seasons under his belt, it is amazing to hear that Pozzessere has maintained a 3.59 grade point average. Around campus biology has developed a reputation for being on of the most challenging majors at Saint Joseph's. Biology requires additional experiences that go along with the regular class time. When asked how this affected his practice schedule, Pozzessere claimed that he hasn't had to miss any practices this past season due to cohesive timing of labs and practice. As a freshman he said that he may have missed one practice due to a biology lab, but he said his coach understands that his players are at college to receive an education, and has been very understanding when such circumstances, though far and few between have come up.

In addition to soccer and school, Pozzessere has joined the University's Habit for Humanity Team. So far this semester he has mostly been involved with raising money, and in the spring he looks forward to actually going out and working on the houses themselves. This should come more naturally to him, considering last summer he worked for his dad who is an electrician. However, this summer he hopes to be able to travel to South Africa, to take a summer science course on HIV and AIDS.

When asked about his plans after graduation, this sophomore Soccer player, said that he wasn't sure whether he wanted to go to medical or dental school. When asked what type of medicine he wanted to study if he went to medical school he said that he would like to be a family practitioner. If he keeps up his grades, and continues to challenge himself in whatever he does, the future looks bright for this young hawk.