Athletic Communications intern Liam Anderson sat down with graduate student defender Hans Nesheim. Nesheim is currently second in the America East Conference with five assists and now has 10 helpers in his outstanding career.

• How has the transition to American Soccer been for you, and what have been your biggest adjustments on and off the field?

The most significant transition for me has been the coaching style. It's much more team-oriented and focused on building a solid structure. Off the field, adjusting to the U.S. culture and school system has been a big change from what I'm used to in Norway.

• Can you describe a challenging time in your soccer journey that made you stronger as a player?

Injuries, definitely injuries. When I was 16, I fractured my right foot playing basketball, which set me back a few months. Then, in 2019, I had the exact same fracture on my opposite foot. It's annoying and might tear you down a little bit. But other than that, I've been very fortunate to not have any muscle injuries or anything that might set me back for an extended period of time.

• Do you have any pre game rituals or routines to help you prepare for a match?

If it's a home game, I always have a quick nap during the day. I also have a superstition that I eat pickles out of everything. I have a superstition that I think it helps for cramps. Before the game, I have YouTube videos watching highlights of other players in similar positions on my phone. Recently, Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong. They're quick, very good players from whom I can learn a lot. And if I sort of visualize what they are doing, I might be able to do the same thing in the field.

• As a captain, how do you approach leadership on the field? Can you share a time when you had to step up during a tough match?

Leadership is about being comfortable with being uncomfortable. If you see something you don't think is suitable for the program, even if it's your good friend, you have to call them out. I remember the Navy game very well for a tough match last year. We were down 3-0 at the half. And we managed to tie it by the end. And at the half, we were like, what just happened? Being one of the older guys on the team, I could encourage us to step up our game and at least try to get the tie, or we could crumble down as a unit. So, we managed to get the tie, and even though it wasn't the win, it felt like a win for us.

• You've already had a strong start this season with several clean sheets. How do you maintain consistency in your defensive performances?

Consistency is what separates professional players from amateurs. Pros manage game by game to perform at a high level and not swing too much. It's about approaching every game as if it's an important one. Don't think less about any opponent. That can really make you feel that you have to earn a win instead of knowing you have one. So, to continue keeping clean sheets, we need to be consistent and treat every game as if it's a really important one.

• What personal and team goals have you set for this season, and how are you working on achieving them?

Personally, I want to contribute as much as I can, whether it's goals, assists, or minutes played. I definitely want to do better for team goals than in years past. I've always had the goal of winning the America East and getting a ring. I really want that championship feeling. I want to achieve something for the program and also for myself and my teammates, and it being my last year here, it's all on the line for me.

• How do you stay connected to your home culture while living and studying in the U.S.?

FaceTime helps a lot. They're six hours ahead of me, so talking during the week is difficult. But on the weekends, I connect with my parents, brothers, grandma, and grandpa, just keeping in contact with them and listening to what they've been doing lately and what's happening at home.

• You're currently second in the America East in assists. What's your approach to creating scoring opportunities for your teammates, and how do you balance being a defender with contributing offensively?

I feel like this year, I've kind of found the sweet spot of my position with being very, very active. I try to get myself in positions where teammates know exactly where I'll be, what time I will be there, and how I want the ball kicked to me. With the amount of assists I have currently, it feels good to help my teammates get goals. Being a defender, I have to be in great shape to play the wingback.

• You've been with UMBC for several years now. What's been your favorite memory on or off the field during your time with the team?

It was senior day last year when we played Binghamton. I managed to score in front of my parents, who traveled from Norway. Off the field, I enjoy the friends and the things I get to see. I really enjoy seeing new places and playing in the America East. We get to travel a decent amount of the time.

• As a graduate student, what advice do you have for younger players on the team about balancing academics and athletics?

Time management and discipline. You might be tired after practice or classes, but it'll pile up later if you don't get the work done now. Stay on top of it.

• Lastly. Why UMBC?

I had a great feeling from the start. The coaches were engaging, and the area has a lot going on. The program's history of success also played a significant role in my decision.