Soccer: The day-by-day of a student-athlete in the University, with Caio Rocha.

Caio Rocha Guazelli, brazilian, is a student-athlete in the US, and is currently majoring in Business and playing soccer representing the University of California, Riverside. On the interview, he tells us a little more about his experience.

Caio Rocha

What championship and division do you play?

Caio: “Division 1 Men's soccer. We play the Big West Conference.”

How many times in the week you have practice?

Caio: “we have practice on field 5x a week plus 3x of weight room. The on field practice is always in the morning and the weights are right after the practice.”

Do you have enough time to conciliate practices with classes? and maybe a job?

Caio: “I do have time to conciliate my studies and practices/games, but I wouldn't have time to work.”

Do you have a good physical preparation?

Caio: “Yeah, I think we have a good physical preparation although sometimes I think they extrapolate a little bit. But it is good.”

Are there more international students in your team? If yes, how do you feel playing with different nationalities?

Caio: “we have a few internationals on the team and I think this mix of culture is great. Also is good out of the field where we can share experiences.”

Why did you choose to come to study in the US?

Caio: “A degree from an American university is valuable, the academically level is very high, which facilitates to find a great job in the future. And, of course, getting a scholarship was a big factor to study there.”

Did you notice any difference between the games in Brazil and in the US?

Caio: “Yes, I think Brazilian players are the best in the world. You can find great players in Brazil even not professionally. So I think the level is not the same as in my country, but I do think that players here work harder and consequently are in better shape, which makes the game more about running and less about "playing beautiful"."

Caio (Black and blue uniform)

Compared to Brazil, What do you think about the level of competitivity of soccer in the US?

Caio: “I can say that the level of creativity and talent are lower than in Brazil, but the physical level are way higher.”

What do you have to say about the benefits provided to the athletes?

Caio: “I think the best benefit a student-athlete have is to have the opportunity to follow any of the two paths he/she is building. He/she can become a professional in his/her sport or if that doesn't happen he/she will have a degree from an american university”.

What advice would you give to athletes that are thinking about studying and playing in the US?

Caio: “If you have the chance to go, you should go. First, because it is a great experience, where you can meet new people. Second, because you will grow a lot with all the challenges. And third because by having an american degree and a developed English, you rise the chances to get a good job.”

*Pictures provided by the athlete.