By FLORA MILFORD
When I first sat down to interview fifth year super senior and soccer star Solvi Gunderson, I asked him “Solvi, who the Buc are you?” At this, he shrugged and cast his eyes to the floor before saying, “I don’t buccing know man.” Throughout our conversation, however, I was able to get to know Solvi for the beautiful, passionate, and creative Buccaneer that he is. THIS is who the Buc Solvi is.
What sport do you play?
Soccer.
What’s your position?
Center Back.
Could you describe what that playing that position consists of? Explain it like you’re talking to a child please.
I play right in front of the goalie usually with one other partner – Brady. Basically, I keep the ball out of the goal and try to progress it up the field. It’s a position that can get you injured. People sometimes get concussions.
Who’s your favorite player?
Steven Gerrard!
How many concussions have you had?
I’ve had one at Beloit but four or five total.
Nice. Can you tell me a bit more about your partner Brady?
Yes! We have a great partnership. We really love each other… My favorite thing about him is that he’s a goofy nice guy. There’s no pressure and we always have a good time.
What’s your favorite thing about being on the team?
Umm… I don’t know. It’s hard to think of just one thing. I love the guys. And I just want to keep playing soccer. That’s the reason I came back. I just wasn’t done with the sport… and to shower with the guys.
What made you want to come back for a fifth year?
I’ve been injured basically my whole college career but I finally had surgery and now I can actually play. I only have one season under my belt and I’m ready for another.
Can you tell me a bit about how you got into soccer?
My dad got me into it. He played throughout high school then horribly broke his leg and couldn’t play anymore. He wanted me and my siblings to play… I started playing when I was seven or eight on a little local team. It was lovely… My favorite thing about the team was coming back to it. When I was 13, I started playing on a travel team in Columbus and then in high school I came back to the team and started playing with them again. It was great to get to play with them for four more years.
How many pairs of cleats do you own?
I have like six pairs but I only wear two of them. They’re sooo beat up but I love them and refuse to let them die. Medieval shoe.
Have you experienced any trash talking?
I’m not a big trashtalker – I try to make friends and laugh at the people who are mean to me. Like why are you so mean? Why are you so serious? Chill. One time one of them called me a lesbian and I was like wow that’s crazy man.
What’s your favorite non sports thing at Beloit?
I love the psych department. I think they’re some of the best advisors ever. Especially Greg Buchanan, but he doesn’t work here anymore. He’s lovely. Suzanne has been a really wonderful replacement as head of the department though.
Have you found it difficult balancing school and soccer?
It’s been easy in the past but our new coach is giving us a lot more to do. We have some homework and stuff like that. We review film on our own, have 6am practice twice a week, which is a little rough. But in general it’s fine… And it’s nice to have a solid coach now. We’ve had a lot of coach turnover – four coaches in the last five years… This year feels a lot more organized than it has been in all of my years here. It’s also the first time a coach has tried to build a culture. There’s more focus on responsibility and personal responsibility. It isn’t always an easy transition but it’s been really great for the team… I don’t know, it’s not too bad to balance. And I really like both things.
What are your thoughts on premier league?
[This section has been redacted because I didn’t understand a single thing Solvi was talking about. Sorry Solvi. It seemed interesting!]
For our final question, what’s your favorite Goosebumps book?
The Blob that Ate Everyone!!!!!!
Featured Image: Solvi Gunderson
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