Q&A: Steffen Kraus transitions from European-style soccer to fast-paced, American style

Kraus has adapted to the American style of soccer after learning the sport in his native Germany (Photo by Gopi Raghu).

Steffen Kraus

Hometown: Stuttgart, Germany

Age: 20

Year: Freshman

Major: Marketing

Position: Goalkeeper

Q: How did you get into soccer? 

A: I'm playing soccer for my whole life. I started to play when I was 4 years old. I don't really know how I got into it; I guess everybody is doing it in Europe as little kids.

Q: What are the major differences between playing soccer in Germany vs. playing soccer in America? How have you adjusted to these changes?

A: It's more athletic in the US. I did a lot of lifting during the summer.

Q: Why did you decide to play soccer in America?

A: Because you can connect athletics and academics here. In Germany it's impossible to play soccer on a high level and to go to college.

Q: What was the recruitment process like?

A: I had to do a lot of paperwork. I had to do all the stuff for the NCAA and I talked a lot to coach John [O'Hara].

Q: What did being named A-10 soccer rookie of the week mean to you?

A: I don't care about that that much, I mean it's kind of nice to read it, but I want to have success with my team, that's most important for me.

Q: What is your ultimate goal with soccer?

A: First of all I just want to play a successful season; I want to get into the NCAA tournament with the team and after that I'll see.