Senior Spotlight — Leo Kossaka
11/2/2019 8:00:02 AM | Men's Soccer
ADDITIONAL INFO
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Year: Senior
Hometown: Sherbrooke, Canada
Major: Finance
- Why did you come to Ohio State? What made you pick the Buckeyes over other schools?
A: Ohio State was one of the first schools to welcome me on an official tour. They were very prompt to get back to me and did everything they could to smooth the international process of me becoming a buckeye. Once I got on campus, I fell in love with this place: the Buckeye tradition, a great academic institution, and an incredible athletics program were all things who made me chose OSU over any other school.
- What is the most memorable moment of your Ohio State career thus far?
A: One of the highlights that I’ll forever remember is my freshman year, when I first played Michigan. It was a very tough game but we were able to score a goal in the second OT with 20 seconds left to the game.
- What does it mean to you to be a Buckeye?
A: Being a Buckeye means to wake up every single day with a deep sense of pride & ambition. Being part of a huge community & yet feel like home is something special that I will cherish for the rest of my life as my path will surely cross other Buckeyes across the world.
- In your opinion, what is the biggest reason that the team has had success this season?
A: Our team is much more solidified on and off the pitch. We all bought in into the same idea shared by our coach, and have worked toward a common goal. Although we are not where we want to be, the group has grown tremendously this year.
- 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: In our last game at Indiana, CC Uche was the one who stood up to deliver a very powerful/emotional speech to hype us up.
- What does your pregame routine look like before a game? Do you have any superstitions?
A: I try to eat always something similar. As we all go to “Bravo” as a team, I tend to get the Chicken Parm with Spaghetti & Caesar Salad.
- How do you keep yourself entertained on road trips?
A: Road trips are always fun. One of the games my teammates & I have been playing a lot on bus trips is “fun-run.”
- Other than soccer, did you play any other sports growing up?
A: When I was 11, I was a fencer until I was 13 years old. My dad used to fence and he introduced me to the sport.
- If you had the opportunity to play one sport other than soccer at Ohio State, what would it be and why?
A: If I was taller, I think I could be a decent volleyball player! If I had spent as much time on volleyball as I did in soccer I’d probably be a good player & love to be on the volleyball team.
- Are you a fan of international soccer? Is there a league or team that you closely follow?
A: Yes. I was born in Brazil & I follow their national team closely. Since I left the country only at 10, I follow more the English premier league, and support Chelsea.
- Do you follow Major League Soccer? Do you have a team you root for? How did you come to follow them?
A: I played for the Montreal Impact growing up & support their first team.
- Who is your favorite professional soccer player? Do you have a favorite professional athlete outside of soccer?
A: I grew up watching Kaka as my idol. Outside of soccer, I’m a huge admirer of Muhammad Ali.
- Do you have aspirations to play professionally?
A: I used to, but as time went by, I started to set up realistic goals for myself. Soccer has been great but not something I’d pursue.
- What person and or event has had the most influence on your life? Why?
A: Coming to the United States has definitely made me grow a lot as a person. My English got much better & a met incredible people. My dad has always been a powerful influence in my life. In my lowest lows or highest highs, he’s been there to support me.
- 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 biggest difference that I see is that I understand the game much better even if I don’t play as much. Being outside the pitch made me see things I wouldn’t normally witness during the game.
- How much has Coach Maisonneuve helped you grow and develop your game?
A: Coach Maisonneuve has been great. He understands the game very well and sees what you see on the pitch. He has helped our team to be much more solidified which in turn helps us individually.
- What aspect of your game do you feel gives you an advantage over your opponents?
A: My technical and pass ability has definitely helped me to have an advantage over my opponents.
- If you could achieve anything in your sport while in college, what would it be?
A: From now on, winning the B1G tournament is the ultimate goal, and then go to the NCAA tournament for my first time.
- How do you keep yourself fit and conditioned in the offseason?
A: We have a great strength & condition program who gets with us during the summer time every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to work on fitness. During winter, they send us a fitness/lift packet that help us stay on top of our game.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
A: During my free time, I like to hang out with friends, my girlfriend, play FIFA.
- How did you choose your major? Do you have any minors?
A: I’ve always had an interest in money, hence why I chose Finance. It also opens doors all over the world since I’m an international student.
- Do you plan on pursuing more education (i.e. graduate school) after you graduate from Ohio State?
A: No.
- What do you plan to do with your major? Do you have a career in mind?
A: I’ve interned with NFM Lending, a mortgage company, and became to love the industry. Becoming a loan officer is my goal.
- If you could give one reason why fans should come out and support your team, what would it be?
A: We will play with heart, confidence, and joy on these last few games that we have. We have nothing to lose, and everything to conquer.
