Paul Robins, Sophomore, Soccer
Year: Sophomore (2011)
Major: Education
Born: March 8th, 1986 in Cornwall, England
HOMETOWN/HS: St. Austell / Poltair Community School
Sport: Men's Soccer (Attacker)
FAVORITES:
Song: "You'll Never Walk Alone" ~ Gerry and the Pacemakers
Food: Pastry (a Cornish delicacy!)
T.V. Shows/Movies: Entourage, The Office (English version), Flight of the Concords, Friday Night Lights, Wedding Crashers, The Break Up, Goodfellas, Point Break, Lockstock and Two Smoking Barrels
Book: The Little Engine That Could (very inspirational!)
Cornwall, England native Paul Robins is a
sophomore forward on the '08 men's soccer team. The second year
player has helped the Monks (10-5-3 overall, 6-2-1 in GNAC play)
secure the #3 seed in the conference playoffs and is second on the
team with 17 points. "Robbo" was named to the GNAC Weekly Honor
Roll on October 8th after scoring two goals and an assist in the
previous reporting week.
Coach Joel Bancroft on Paul:
"Paul is putting together a nice year for our program. His first
year was one of peaks and valleys but during the off-season he
worked very hard to come into his sophomore campaign as more of a
complete player. Enjoying the fruits of his labor, Paul has had a
breakout year not only within the walls of our program but also in
the GNAC. He is 3rd in assists and in the top 10 for total points
in the league. With all those accomplishments I am certain Paul's
best soccer is in front of him. We look for Paul to keep growing as
a citizen of the SJC community and as a student athlete for our
program. "
How did you end up at Saint Joseph's College from Cornwall,
England??
I was a tour guide in London, while also coaching, and I ended up
showing Coach Bancroft's Odyssey U16 team round London. The rest is
history...
Why did you choose Saint Joseph's College?
St. Joe's chose me. Coach Bancroft is a very wise man!
What are some of the characteristics of Saint Joseph's that
you value?
Saint Joseph's is a special place to me. To move 3,000 miles away
from everything you have known can be very daunting. The transition
was made easier by the faculty and students here as St. Joe's, as
they are always willing to help your experience a joyful one. This
college campus truly feels like a close-knit community.
Who has had the greatest impact on your life?
I can't say that just one person has had more of an impact on me
than the other. I come from a close family and had a great
upbringing. My grandparents have always been a big part of my life
as well as my parents Steve and Julie Robins along with my brother
and sister. They have all supported me throughout life and
sport.
What was your first job?
I was a shelf stacker for Tesco's, which is the rival store to
Walmart in England.
Who would you like to trade places for a day with and
why?
John Terry, who is the captain of England's soccer team. To be
captain of your country's side is the most honorable and
prestigious award there is.
What is on your "Bucket List?"
To have a quote of mine Trademarked, To be considered as an uncle
to a family of ligers and to have a stand at Anfield [Liverpool FC
football ground] named after me.
Talent you'd most like to have:
To serenade whilst playing the guitar.
What do you drive?
I don't drive, I get chauffeured.
What is your most memorable moment as an athlete at
SJC?
Scoring three goals in my first weekend in a Monks jersey after
arriving almost three weeks late because of visa issues.
Can you tell us something about you that most people don't
know?
Much like (SJC golfer) Andy LeConte, I am also colorblind
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I will be nearly 28 then, so hopefully I will be settled into a
teaching or coaching job and still living the American dream!
If you could meet anyone (past or present) who would it be
and why?
Ricky Gervais (actor and creator of the original Office), because
in my opinion he is the funniest man alive.
What are your hobbies?
Spending too much money on clothes and working out in the gym.
What is your ideal day away from soccer?
Having no-budget shopping down Rodeo drive
Do you have any superstitions before you go into a big
game?
I always put my right sock and soccer boot on last, and I never put
my shirt on until the last minute.
Will you play soccer after your college days are
over?
I certainly hope so; my love of the game will not stop after my
senior year.
What goals did you set for yourself and your team this
season?
To be real title challengers for the GNAC and to improve on last
season's points tally.
Your team has enjoyed an excellent season in '08, one that
is hopefully far from over. What do you think has been the reason
for the turnaround after finishing 5-11-3 last year?
I don't think that there is just one specific reason for our
success this year. I think the gaffer (Coach Bancroft) did a great
job in recruiting for this season and bought in some very talented
players, the likes of Michael
Sanfilippo and Tim
Davison have been fantastic for us all season. I
think from the coaching staff right through the side there has been
a newfound confidence and solidarity this year. The backline has
been very steady all season and we've scored goals from all over
the park with Doug MacCallum
leading the way with 11. Another huge plus has been the return of
Kevin Melega to the side. He has
a great energy and is the epitome of the never-say-die attitude of
this team.
What is it like for you and your team to host a GNAC
playoff contest this weekend?
To be one of the top three teams in your conference is a great
achievement for any team, let alone a side that snuck in the back
door of the playoffs last year and was ranked 8th at the start of
this season. To be home for a huge game like this is fantastic for
our program and the college. The support we have received from the
fans has been superb all season as they have been like a 12th man
for us at times. To be able to play an opponent that ended your
season this time last year is a great opportunity to get back. I
think the gaffer has done a great job of keeping everyone's feet on
the ground throughout the season and the attitude around the team
is a very focused one.