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University of Massachusets Athletics
Q&A With Kenny Cook
November 13, 2006 | Men's Soccer
Nov. 13, 2006
Q: How long have you been playing soccer?
Ever since I can remember. I played in all the Recreation leagues when I was younger. I would say I've been playing since I was 5 or 6 years old.
Q: What was the thing that made you decide to come to UMass?
Soccer was a big aspect. Coach told me that he would give me the opportunity to play. I am in the business school here also and I knew that it was a good business school. But soccer was a big part of it.
Q: How do you think your UMass career is progressing athletically?
It's good. Every year we seem to be getting better. Last year we took some big steps forward, we were a young team.
Q: Academically?
Academically, its been going well. I have been happy. It could always be better, but I'm doing well.
Q: How did it feel last year to be the team MVP last year along with all of the other honors that you received... A-10 All Tournament Team, All-Conference Second Team?
It was a pretty big honor. My teammates pretty much put me in the position to be voted as MVP. I made a few goals last year, but guys on my team were able to find me in good positions were I could put the ball away.
Q: How do you think the season is going to go this year? Any improvements need to be made?
Knock on wood, hopefully it will go well. We started well, we are 5-0-1 now. But the season starts to get tougher, I mean, a lot of the opponents we played we were able to get good results but now we have Hartford and Vermont and they are pretty good opponents. We have to be able to come to play every game. Sometimes we aren't firing on all four cylinders. We have to be able to come to play every game; we have to be up for every game. Now that we are getting some recognition, teams will be coming after us, trying to beat us.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals?
Not really. I bring my Ipod with me, listen to music.
Q: Other than soccer, what are your favorite sports?
Basketball, I love basketball, I played in high school my junior and senior year. Football too, I am a big Buffalo Bills fan coming from New York.
Q: What is the most memorable experience that you have had playing sports?
The most memorable experience, last year, making the A10 Tournament was definitely a big accomplishment. I think that that was the height of my sports career making it to a conference tournament in college.
Q: Do you go to any of the sports events here on campus?
I try to make it to as many as I can. They're fun. The hoops games, the hockey games. Trying to support UMass as much as I can. Women's soccer, field hockey.
Q: I read that you like to play the saxophone, do you still have enough time to play it at school?
I played it in high school, played in the band. I haven't picked it up in a while. I'm sure that I could still play though.
Q: How is it balancing practice and games with all of the work of being in the SOM? Have you chosen a major yet?
It's tough. I always find myself running from practices to class and then back here to get treatment from the trainer. It is tough, but it keeps you busy. It's marketing.
Q: What do you like to do with your down time?
Sit around, watch TV, play video games, go on the computer. Sit on the couch, sleep.
Q: Favorite music?
I like a little bit of everything. Country, Dave Matthews Band, a little bit of rap, Jay Z.
Q: Movies?
I'm not a big movie guy, I'll go to the occasional movie, but I don't know what my favorite would be.
Q: Any favorite spots to go in the Amherst area?
The Sub and Pizza. I have OCMP this year, so I go there all the time.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant to eat at/ or order out from here at school?
Well, The Sub. I like Antonio's and Bertuccis too.
Q: How do you feel about the new facebook?
The new changes? I don't like them. There's too much information that I don't want to know.
Q: Did you watch the World Cup this year?
Yeah, I watched the World Cup. I was pulling for the USA. But they didn't do too well.
Q: How do you feel about that performance?
I wasn't impressed. I was so excited going into the World Cup, and then they ended up not coming to play.
Q: What would you ideally like to do when you graduate?
I would like to take soccer as far as I can. We'll see what happens after next year. I could go into business too. Maybe something to do with marketing, hopefully I can get into some internships before the end of the year. Maybe coaching too, in soccer.
