Get to Know Junior Mitch Bergman
10/3/2019 3:00:41 PM | Men's Soccer
ADDITIONAL INFO
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Year: Junior
Hometown: Canal Winchester, Ohio
Major: Integrated Systems Engineering with a Business Minor
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Q: Why did you come to Ohio State? What made you pick the Buckeyes over other schools?
A: I’ve been a Buckeye my entire life. Numerous family members have graduated from the university and are beyond proud to call themselves Buckeyes for life. It had been my dream to play in the Scarlet and Gray, and I am beyond fortunate to be living my dream out each day.
Q: What is the most memorable moment of your Ohio State career thus far?
A: Scoring my first collegiate goal against Penn State on BTN my freshman year was quite a memorable moment in my career. While it is a great memory, I hope to create even better memories with the team this year.
Get to know Mitch Bergman, a junior midfielder on the Ohio State men's soccer team, here: https://t.co/J1QG0ESeQH pic.twitter.com/aGXhHch6DL
— Ohio State Mens Soccer (@OhioStateMSOC) October 3, 2019
Q: What does it mean to you to be a Buckeye?
A: For me, being a Buckeye represents a pursuit of excellence on and off the field in an attempt to represent the incredible, global community that makes up Buckeye students and alumni, alike. Being a part of Buckeye Nation gives me a great sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I am supported and cared for in everything I do.
Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest reason that the team has had success this season?
A: The locker room. The guys that make up this team are closer than any group of guys we’ve had during my time here at Ohio State. We respect one another, push and motivate one another, and genuinely enjoy spending time together.
Q: You are down at the half in a big game and the team is beaten down, who of your teammates stands up and delivers the speech to hype everyone up for the second half?
A: Parker Seigfried has more experience on this level than anyone on the team and is a great leader within the team. His voice is a great motivator and instills a sense of confidence among the guys.
Q: What does your pregame routine look like before a game? Do you have any superstitions?
A: No real superstitions but I do follow a very strict pregame routine to allow myself to be completely prepared before each and every game. This includes mental visualization, foam rolling (stretching), and other small things.
Q: How do you keep yourself entertained on road trips?
A: Movies, Spotify, and, unfortunately, homework.
Q: Other than soccer, did you play any other sports growing up?
A: Basketball, baseball, track and field.
Q: If you had the opportunity to play one sport other than soccer at Ohio State, what would it be and why?
A: Probably lacrosse or golf. I’m a big fan of both sports and would enjoy aspects of both in terms of the skills required to play them.
Q: Are you a fan of international soccer? Is there a league or team that you closely follow?
A: I’m a huge FC Barcelona (Spain) fan and follow all the major European leagues closely.
Q: Do you follow Major League Soccer? Do you have a team you root for? How did you come to follow them?
A: Growing up in Columbus, I have always been a huge Columbus Crew SC fan.
Q: Who is your favorite professional soccer player? Do you have a favorite professional athlete outside of soccer?
A: Virgil Van Dijk. Outside of soccer, I enjoy any great competitor but don’t necessarily have a personal favorite.
Q: Do you have aspirations to play professionally?
A: Yes, most definitely. Been a dream of mine ever since I’ve known what being a professional athlete truly was.
Q: Is there someone that you try to model your game after? Could be a professional, teammate, etc.
A: Virgil Van Dijk. Plays the same position as I do (center back) and has an incredible understanding of the game, something I aspire to achieve.
Q: What person and or event has had the most influence on your life? Why?
A: My parents have sacrificed so much for me, and with this, I owe them for a great deal of my success on and off the field. Their impact on my achievements is not able to be properly described by words.
Q: How much do you think you have learned about the game since your freshman year? What is the biggest difference that you see in yourself?
A: The two biggest changes I see in myself would be my mental capacity to read and understand the game at a much higher level than prior to collegiate competition and my physicality and strength on and off the ball.
Q: How much has Coach Maisonneuve helped you grow and develop your game?
A: I have learned a great deal from both coaching staffs I have experienced in my time here, but with the new staff and Coach Mais I have seen a lot of progress in my understanding of the game. Their collective experience and wisdom have truly influenced every player on the roster and has contributed to my development and growth as a student of the game.
Q: What aspect of your game do you feel gives you an advantage over your opponents?
A: Athleticism.
Q: If you could achieve anything in your sport while in college, what would it be?
A: Win an NCAA Championship.
Q: How do you keep yourself fit and conditioned in the offseason?
A: Consistency and pure hard work, knowing that someone is out there trying to work harder than me and my teammates every single day.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Are you a gamer, involved in organizations, etc.
A: Listening to music, enjoying time with friends, anything related to athletics, spending time outside, spending time with family.
Q: How did you choose your major? Do you have any minors?
A: My family influenced my major (selection) because of their background in engineering, but my Dad gave me a better insight into his world of Industrial Engineering, which allowed me to make the decision to pursue the major I am currently in today. I also am working on a business minor.
Q: Do you plan on pursuing more education (i.e. graduate school) after you graduate from Ohio State?
A: I do plan on completing an MBA program after college.
Q: What do you plan to do with your major? Do you have a career in mind?
A: Work in the IE field for a few years and hopefully move into a leadership/management position.
Q: If you could give one reason why fans should come out and support your team, what would it be?
A: We love the fans and the energy they bring to the team. This year’s team is exciting and full of talented student-athletes that make the games exciting for both us and the spectators.
