SoccerCityFC interviewed David Worthen along with several other collegiate seniors leading up to the 2008 MLS Combine. While David was not drafted in either the MLS SuperDraft or Supplemental Draft, he is clearly not counting out professional soccer. SoccerCityFC spoke to David recently as he highlighted his athletic and academic options.
- How was the player camaraderie at the MLS Combine? Who were you roomed with?
A: Sean, I am pleased to talk with you again about my experiences at the MLS combine.
From my perspective all the players got along very well, keeping in mind the competitive attitude that each player had. By the last game of the combine, I can speak for my team when I say that we all began to understand each other more and definitely played our best soccer. Even though it was essentially a showcase for the player individually, I noticed that the play was unselfish and everyone worked hard for their teams. Off the field everyone was as professional as possible and most of the players were familiar with each other from past soccer experiences in college and club soccer.
I roomed with Ben Shuleva who played in the midfield for SMU. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in the first game at the combine, so he had to fly home early to start his rehabilitation. I would like to say congratulations to him as he was selected in the supplemental draft [FC Dallas] and I hope the rehabilitation goes well also.
- What professional options are you looking at right now?
A: Well, I was not picked up in the draft this year so I've had several options floating around. I have considered trying out for A-League teams [USL First Division] as well as a few teams over-seas, but at this time I have decided to finish my academic studies and then possibly look into soccer after.
- Any long term plans for graduate school after obtaining the biology degree?
A: My undergraduate schooling was focused on preparing me to get into medical school, so I am in the process of getting ready for the MCAT which is the medical school entrance exam. Continuing my education in science and specifically medicine has always been my long-term goal because I knew that a time would come when I would have to hang up the boots. I have always been very optimistic about my professional potential with soccer, but medicine has always been at the top of my list also.
- Your Spartan career has concluded. Can you give us your assessment of the upcoming 2008 season? What can we expect from your former teammates?
A: I am looking forward to watching the team continue to play at a high level next year and the following years after. Our coaching staff has been working extremely hard to bring in quality players and they are very excited about the players returning as well as the new talent coming in. We have a solid group of returning players that should be able to continue the high level of soccer from the previous few seasons. We can definitely compete with the top teams in our conference and we should be looking to get a bid to the NCAA tournament which we came up short in getting this past season.
Thanks again for your time and best of luck with everything.
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