Assistant Sports Editor

Julian Nagel came to Fordham after competing in the highest level youth league in Germany. Last season he was tied for the team lead in points with six.

The Fordham Ram: You’re originally from Germany right? How did you end up at Fordham?

Julian Nagel: I played soccer in Germany in U19 Bundesliga which is the highest youth league in Germany, and I was one of the only kids who finished the highest form of high school. In Germany there are three different types and only if you finish the highest one can you go and study in Germany or in America. Someone came and said to me there was the possibility to get scholarships in the U.S. and told me to take a look at that. So I started googling soccer scholarships in the U.S. and the first company that came up I contacted.

I took an evaluation test and they thought I was good enough to get a scholarship. They made a profile for me with photos and videos so coaches could start looking at me.  I got like 20 to 30 offers from all around the country, Nebraska, Ohio, whatever.  But, I always wanted to go to a big city. Most of the people I knew wanted to go just for a year to learn the language and go back. But I wanted to go and maybe stay, so I looked for a place I would love. I knew I wanted a big city because I’m from a small town back home and I didn’t want the same thing. Then, about two weeks before the deadline, Fordham contacted me and I thought it looked really good, said yes and here I am.

TFR: What’s been your favorite part of going to school at Fordham?

JN: Well, of course, a great part, in my opinion, is that it’s so close to the city. That was one of the major things that made me come here, that it’s so convenient to go into the city. This year is the first year that I have taken a Lincoln Center class, for example, and it’s a cool thing to go back and forth between the Bronx and the city.

Another great thing is that it’s like a family here. Back in Europe, every university is set up kind of like NYU. You don’t have a campus; you have buildings all around the city and you live in your apartment. You go to class and you go back to your apartment; you don’t really have anything to do with the people in your class. At Fordham it’s different because you live on a campus that is gated and everybody goes to class with each other and everybody lives with each other. I think that’s a great part of Fordham, that you have a family.

TFR: What’s the biggest difference between playing soccer here and playing soccer in Germany?

JN: The differences are actually huge. European soccer, and German soccer in general, is really offense-oriented. There are a lot of goals and you never know how the game is going to end. If there’s a 5-1 game nobody is really surprised.

Over here, everything is all about the defense. I think there are two games I’ve played in the last three years that have ended with a one goal difference, which is really weird. I think that’s because everybody is so focused on defense. There’s one goal in the game and that makes the big difference. Back in Germany there could be a 4-0 or a 6-0 and it’s not that big of a deal, while here it feels like that’s a huge deal. I think that’s one of the reasons why soccer’s not that popular. There’s one chance in the whole game to cheer.

TFR: What’s it like knowing this is your last season?

JN: It’s weird. Thinking about it and looking back, I’ve been here for more than three years and it flew by like crazy. When I came from Europe I didn’t choose to become a professional soccer player because I wanted to study. Coming here was the only possibility to do both on a high level. I knew that this was going to be the last four years of my life where I could play soccer on an almost professional level.

If I go back, I would still like to play soccer, but you start working at a job and probably don’t have time to do it on a high level. This is kind of like my goodbye to my whole life. When I was younger, I spent every minute playing soccer. I practiced even more than I do now. It’s a really weird feeling. But on the other hand, I’m ready for a new start. My interests shifted from just focusing on soccer to doing something else in my life. It’s a sad goodbye, but I’m happy to start something else.

TFR: How has your role changed over your four years?

JN: I started games in my freshman year, so I’ve already been a big part of the team from my freshman year on. I feel like my role didn’t really change over the last four years because I’ve always been a big part of the team. Obviously having a scholarship and being from Europe they know I bring something different to the team than probably anyone else. I don’t think my roles changed, it’s always been a big role and I’ve always been involved.

TFR: What has been your favorite soccer moment at Fordham?

JN: I scored a free kick goal last year, against VCU I think. That was really good because we haven’t scored a free kick goal ever that I can remember. I don’t know when the last time that we scored one was, and that was to tie the game. It was a great experience and a great celebration. That was definitely one of the best moments I’ve had.

TFR: Do you have any plans for after graduation?

JN: Not yet. I haven’t decided on staying or going back home yet because I’m not sure what’s coming up. We’ll see. I know that eventually I’m probably going to live in Europe. I don’t think I’m going to start a life here and become an American. But I’m not sure if I’ll start working here and then go back or what. It’s going to be a tough decision.