2008 Woodie Awards
RSSHigh-spirited Hessemer a hit with Hawks
By Emily Means
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: Sports
Not even recruited to come to Lehigh, senior defender and co-captain Michael Hessemer has made a major impact on the men's soccer team.
After his last fall soccer season in high school, Hessemer said he took some time off from the sport and spent the winter snowboarding.
"I was pretty sure I wasn't going to play in college," Hessemer said. "I committed to Lehigh as an academic decision that winter, however when summer rolled around I really missed playing."
Head Coach Dean Koski never had the chance to see Hessemer play, but another Div. I coach who Hessemer had played for during club soccer in high school recommended him for the team.
"Coach Koski generously gave me a shot during preseason to prove myself," Hessemer said. "I played well, earned a spot on the team and played in every game that year. It all seemed to work out quite well."
Koski said he is happy with the way things worked out too.
"Mike has been a great addition to our program from the first day he arrived," Koski said. "He has a terrific attitude, brings it every day, cares about his teammates and will do whatever we need him to do to help the team. Every team needs a 'Mike Hessemer.'"
Hessemer's role for the past two years is as a leader. He said he works hard to help the underclassmen enjoy their experience as a Mountain Hawk.
"On the field, I'm usually pretty vocal," Hessemer said. "It helps me stay in the game mentally and it definitely helps the players around. I remember when I was a freshman, I felt nervous and a little lost on the field at times. That's why I try to vocally guide some of the younger players through tough situations."
Hessemer's drive, personality and relationship with the team makes him a wonderful leader, Koski said.
"Mike has always been good at connecting with all of the players on and off the field," Koski said. "He is respected as an athlete and student as well and brings a strong competitive attitude to games and practices."
After his last fall soccer season in high school, Hessemer said he took some time off from the sport and spent the winter snowboarding.
"I was pretty sure I wasn't going to play in college," Hessemer said. "I committed to Lehigh as an academic decision that winter, however when summer rolled around I really missed playing."
Head Coach Dean Koski never had the chance to see Hessemer play, but another Div. I coach who Hessemer had played for during club soccer in high school recommended him for the team.
"Coach Koski generously gave me a shot during preseason to prove myself," Hessemer said. "I played well, earned a spot on the team and played in every game that year. It all seemed to work out quite well."
Koski said he is happy with the way things worked out too.
"Mike has been a great addition to our program from the first day he arrived," Koski said. "He has a terrific attitude, brings it every day, cares about his teammates and will do whatever we need him to do to help the team. Every team needs a 'Mike Hessemer.'"
Hessemer's role for the past two years is as a leader. He said he works hard to help the underclassmen enjoy their experience as a Mountain Hawk.
"On the field, I'm usually pretty vocal," Hessemer said. "It helps me stay in the game mentally and it definitely helps the players around. I remember when I was a freshman, I felt nervous and a little lost on the field at times. That's why I try to vocally guide some of the younger players through tough situations."
Hessemer's drive, personality and relationship with the team makes him a wonderful leader, Koski said.
"Mike has always been good at connecting with all of the players on and off the field," Koski said. "He is respected as an athlete and student as well and brings a strong competitive attitude to games and practices."
