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Student-Athlete Day feature: Men's soccer player Peyton Ford
In honor of National Student-Athlete Day on Friday,
UNCGSpartans.com will feature a student-athlete each day leading up
to this date, acknowledging their commitment to excellence on and
off the field of play.
National Student-Athlete Day recognizes the accomplishments of
student-athletes nationwide who excel in the classroom, on the
playing fields and in their communities. The day was created by the
National Consortium for Academics and Sports and the Northeastern
University Center for the Study of Sport in Society, with
partnership from the NCAA and the National Federation of State High
School Associations.
Wednesday's feature is on UNCG men's soccer player Peyton Ford, a
redshirt junior keeper from Jamestown, N.C.
Q: What made you decide to attend UNCG?
A: I decided to attend UNCG based on the fact that it felt much
more like home than anywhere else that I looked, and I connected
with the team much more than anywhere else. Not to mention the
outstanding facilities that we have and the emphasis on soccer in
the fall.
Q: What has been your favorite moment as a
student-athlete?
A: My favorite moment as a student-athlete was winning the
Southern Conference tournament championship in 2010 and earning a
bid to the NCAA tournament.
Q: What is the greatest lesson that you've learned from
being a student-athlete?
A: The greatest lesson I have learned as a student-athlete is when
to let the little stuff go. We are so stressed between school and
sport that it is easy to get overwhelmed. Worrying about it will
not solve anything. I learned to just put my head down and take it
one step at a time.
Q: Who has been the most influential person in your
athletic career?
A: My father.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: Get married (June 30, 2012) and begin my MBA at UNCG while
completing my eligibility.
Q: What do you do to get a ready for a game?
A: I try to think about all the things that I could do right and
not to worry about needing to play well. The more I stress about a
game, the harder it is to actually play it.
Q: Do you think coming to UNCG and being a part of the
men's soccer team has better equipped you for your
future?
A: Yes, it has taught me how to push myself and to be mentally
tough enough to endure almost anything.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have
received?
A: Goalkeepers are either the hero or the goat; learn to live with
it.
- UNCG -
