For most college athletes, their last year is their final chance to make history for their program. UNC Wilmington senior men's soccer player Thomas Driver is looking for another chance to be part of a history making team.
"I was here when we won the first and only conference championship and our first NCAA tournament berth," Driver said, "I would like to get back to that and have that as a legacy: making this program a winning one."
Being one of only four seniors on the squad and also being responsible for scoring goals as a forward, the business marketing major feels that there is a sense of leadership that must be made both on and off the field.
"Being a veteran, you need to show leadership and show the younger guys what's going on and how the program is," said Driver.
Last season was an unfortunate one for the Seahawks. They finished the season with a record of four wins, 12 losses, and two ties. They did not win a single game on the road.
"I don't think being away was the main reason we lost those games. It was just our team dynamic and our team chemistry," Driver said. "We didn't really mesh well as a whole last year, but I think this year it's going to be a lot more positive, so things should turn around."
Another reason why the Seahawks lost so many games was because they were outscored in the second half after becoming worn down by the game, something Driver believes the Seahawks have already improved upon.
"We added some size on defense and hopefully that will help," he said. "Most of our goals were given up in the penalty box and that's how we've changed from last season so we can start winning in the box."
The 22 year-old from Greensboro, NC was one of only four players on the team to start and play in all 18 games of the 2011 season. Driver scored three goals and had two assists last year, but he hopes to be even better this season as he plans to go all out for his final year at UNCW.
"I would like to have a great year this season and possibly play professionally afterwards. We'll see if there's something at the next level for me."
The next UNCW home game will be Friday September 14thagainst Saint Mary's at 7 p.m.for the start of the Hilton Garden Inn Classic. The Hilton Classic is UNCW's own tournament that they host every year.
"It's something for us to look forward to and compete, because we want to win our own tournament," Driver said.
