Collegiate Corner: Chris Wright

Photo Credits: University of New Mexico Athletics

The University of New Mexico men’s program qualified for the NCAA Tournament in six out of the last seven seasons. The Lobos also captured the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation title for the fourth consecutive year in 2007. Chris Wright in concert with his teammates are training this spring with the goal of adding to the program’s impressive history in 2008. The MPSF Player of the Year spoke with Soccer City FC about his time in Brazil, last year’s season, and the upcoming spring schedule.

- You trained with Brazilian club Atletico Paranaese in 2004. Can you comment on the experience?

A: Training in Brazil was a dream experience each time. The environment at Clube Atlético Paranaense is extremely professional, from fields to facilities and training gear, everything was fantastic. The playing environment was very technical and challenged me to improve each and everyday. The coaches and players were all very genuine and invested time to help me improve, often pulling me aside and talking to me about certain scenarios. I developed many strong relationships with the players there and still keep in contact with many of them via the web. Not only did it help improve my soccer, but I also improved my Portuguese greatly as well.

- Both of your parents played collegiate soccer in California. Growing up, how much of an advantage was it to have parents with such strong soccer backgrounds?

A: The fact that both of my parents participated in collegiate sports helped me quite a bit as I was growing up because they understand the demands and rigors associated with playing sports at a high level. My mom was a multi-sport athlete all the way through college; she played volleyball first at BYU then Santa Clara before playing soccer there. Because of this, I learned how to deal with the pressures of time management and developed a strong work ethic. My dad has always been the one pushing me in soccer and he has been a vital source of feedback throughout the years with everything. We are very close and talk after every game. Because he is also a coach I have been able to learn a lot about the game from him, and he has always been willing to work with me to improve my skills. Without question, growing up in such an environment was a great advantage for me.

- What was your reaction to being named the 2007 MPSF Player of the Year?

A: Honestly, it was a big surprise to me. I was not thinking about any awards so it was a very humbling moment for me. In a certain sense, I look at it as a challenge because I know that I will need to work even harder to continue to have success.

- What was your favorite game from 2007?

A: Thinking back, I would have to say that my favorite game of last year was the game against UCSB. I felt like we performed really well as a team, we showed a lot of passion and never backed down. The game was played at a very high pace, and it was a big win for us at that point in the season.

- And your favorite goal scored from 2007?

A: Wow, that's a hard one to chose. Honestly, my favorite goal from last year would have to be P.J. Wilson's goal against San Jose State University when we played away. P.J. hit a screaming free kick into the upper corner off of a set piece from about 30 yards out. It was top class! My favorite goal that I scored from the year was the goal I scored against the University of San Francisco. I hit a volley on the run from the top of the box that hit the post and went into the back of the net. It was my favorite because my family was all there to see it, except for my sister.

- What are the team goals heading into the upcoming spring schedule?

A: I think our goals for this spring are to continue to really come together as a team and push each other to improve individually and collectively. So far I feel that we have been very successful with these goals in practice, and I know that we are all eager to play against competition. In regards to spring games, I think the main goal is to all get on the same page for the upcoming season so that when we get back everyone will be firing on all cylinders. That being said however, we want to win our spring games as well.

- Are you looking forward to the spring trip to North Carolina to compete against both Wake Forest and Duke?

A: Absolutely! Anytime you get to play two prestigious schools such as Wake Forest and Duke you will be very excited. I think that we are especially excited to see how we face up with the defending champions. We know that we can compete with and beat anyone in the country, so we are all looking forward to the challenge.

- What can we expect in 2008 from the Lobos?

A: I strongly believe that 2008 will a great year. We have a strong, deep group of guys who are all very talented and work hard for each other. We also have great support from the community, and we want to bring back the big crowds that have graced us in the past. I think that Lobo soccer in 2008 will be an exciting thing to watch.

Photo Credits: University of New Mexico Athletics