Firebird Spotlight - Louis Connor, Men's Soccer
Profile/Family
Louis Connor is a senior captain from Birmingham, England. Post graduation, the Health Education major plans to return to England to play soccer professionally. Louis also plans to coach as he enjoys developing young people. After encouragement from his parents, Louis began playing soccer with his club team (the equivalent of U.S. Boy Scouts) on Saturdays at the age of 7. Initially, he was a field player, but was needed early on to play in goal. He enjoyed the experience and has been a goal keeper ever since. Louis’ father, a former striker, coaches a professional soccer team. Louis has a twin sister who is involved in IT back in England, and he has an older sister.
**Louis’ parents were able to see him play on Senior Day, October 7th, 2015 for the first time since 2011. He stopped five shots and allowed just one goal in a 4-1 Firebirds victory over St. Thomas Aquinas.
Out of high school, Louis was offered to play soccer at James Madison University in Virginia, however he felt he was not yet ready to study abroad. A year later, and after receiving an offer from UDC, Louis was quickly convinced to leave England after doing research on the University of the District of Columbia and Washington, D.C. Louis particularly enjoys city life, the proximity of other colleges and universities, as well as the diversity the nation’s capital offers.
Interests/Talents
Louis enjoys playing tennis, and he regularly plays racquetball with former teammate Mario Banegas. He enjoys relaxing with friends and “taking it easy.” The food lover particularly enjoys Spanish, Chinese and American cuisine. An accomplished pianist with a good voice, Louis sung John Legend’s “All of Me” during his sister’s wedding ceremony this past summer.
His focus on the soccer field involves a “win-at-all-cost” mentality where Louis focuses on only soccer and getting the job done. “Everything else goes away”, he said. “Winning is everything and every game matters. I take grade pride in saving goals.” At the beginning of every game and start of every half, Louis touches the cross bar, the ground and then signs the cross. He has also come to realize that the team wins when he wears the green jersey – thus, we won’t see Louis in the yellow jersey for the remainder of the season!
On the Team
Louis is excited about the team: “Everyone is committed. Everyone wants to be here, and everyone is on the same page.”
“Always work as hard as you can. In whatever it is, do your best. You earn your own luck by putting in 110%.”
Coach Matt Thompson on Louis
"Louis has been fantastic since the day he stepped on campus. He came from a very good background that gave him the tools to become a great leader for our program. He holds high standards for himself and his teammates and we are very fortunate to have had his skill set for the past four years. It is bittersweet to see him graduate this year - as we will lose a good goalkeeper, team captain and even better person! With his leadership, we have seen the program continue to rise both on and off the field."