Tuskegee University launched its inaugural men’s and women’s soccer teams earlier this year. Marking a new chapter in the university’s athletic history. With competition beginning in August, the Golden Tigers are among the few NCAA Division II historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to field both men’s and women’s soccer teams.
Through their first six games, the men’s team has recorded three wins, two losses and one tie. Showing progress as the program establishes itself and works to compete at the collegiate level.
For many players, joining the soccer team means more than competing on the field. It also provides an opportunity to help build a program that future generations of Golden Tigers can carry forward. We spoke with four players to learn more about the student-athletes setting the standard at Tuskegee.
Christopher Remily, a senior sports management major, joined the team with an appreciation for the opportunity to become part of Tuskegee’s athletic history.
“I chose Tuskegee because there was a wonderful opportunity here to build something from scratch and be a part of history,” Remily said. “It’s already a great historic institution, and to add on to that legacy is a wonderful opportunity.”
The team has already begun creating memorable moments in its inaugural season.
“My favorite team moment so far is probably when we beat Union,” striker Toree Davis III said.
Tuskegee defeated Union 2-1, scoring once in each half to secure the victory. The win marked an important milestone for the Golden Tigers as they continued their first season of competition.
Coming from more than 4,000 miles across the Atlantic, midfielder Dahman Zucchini was introduced to soccer at a young age in his hometown of Milan, Italy.
“My best friend at the time, I started playing because of him,” he said.
Being a college freshman can be a new and sometimes intimidating experience. Playing on a college’s first-ever soccer team brings its own set of challenges.For Trip Bailey, however, the goals for the season are simple.
“My goal for the season is to stay healthy and win the rest of our games,” he said.
The team recently suffered its second loss of the season against the University of Montevallo, falling 2-1 after conceding a goal in the final minutes of the match.
As the season continues, the Golden Tigers will look to build on their early performances while laying the foundation for the future of Tuskegee soccer.
Tuskegee is scheduled to return to action Oct. 18 against LaGrange College. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
