The men’s soccer team junior forward Blake Driehuis has shown much progress this season, scoring seven goals and 16 points so far, compared to his two goals and five points last season. The Hawk spoke to Driehuis about his improvement in performance, attitude and outlook on this season.
The Hawk: What made you choose St. Joe’s for soccer?
Driehuis: I had a friend once come over and [teach at] a couple universities in America, and he came to Philadelphia and said that Philly was one of his favorite cities. And from what [head coach] Don [D’Ambra] said to me, it seemed pretty promising that he had confidence in me and wanted to play me from from the start, which was one of my main priorities, as I wanted to come over here and play and not just sit and watch for my first couple of seasons.
The Hawk: What was different about playing in New Zealand compared to playing at this university?
Driehuis: When I was back home, I was playing in men’s leagues against, obviously, men, not really [playing against] college students where the ages vary from 18 to 25. In terms of the level and difference in play, it’s a bit more physical over here. You’ve got a lot more athletes rather than technical players, which honestly isn’t a bad thing, it’s just how it is and the difference in playing style.
The Hawk: What have you been focusing on in practice to lead to your improvement this season?
Driehuis: Coach [D’Ambra] has stressed to me over the past couple years to work on my hold up plays as a number nine and being able to hold the ball rather than trying to turn around and losing it. That’s been a big part of my improvement. Another thing is finishing in and around the box and getting as many goals as I can.
The Hawk: What was different in your mental approach this year compared to last year?
Driehuis: I’ve come in and had the mentality that I’m more of a senior player on the team, like someone who the younger players look up to and can follow. I’m trying to step into the role of being one of the players on the team that can change games and obviously get as many goals and play as many minutes as possible.
The Hawk: Who has been your mentor while being in Philadelphia and playing for St. Joe’s?
Driehuis: I think Coach [D’Ambra] is a name in the history books here, especially because he was a striker as well. He knows the ins and outs of what it’s like to be a striker, and so being able to talk to him and get advice from him of what he thinks and the improvements I should make has been great.
