Men’s soccer veteran named athlete of the week
After scoring twice in the first two games of the season, Gryphons men’s soccer veteran Tim Flynn was named Athlete of the Week for the week ending Sept. 1. The Scarborough native’s strong play has continued as Flynn extended the impressive goal per game average to three games as of Sept. 6.
Demonstrating exactly what’s expected and more of a fourth-year Gryphon, Flynn talked about his motivations, Landscape Architecture, and what’s next.
Stephanie Coratti: What has been the best thing about being a Gryphon?
Tim Flynn: Definitely the support and encouragement we get from the coaches, professors, fans, families, and the entire athletic administration, putting in the hours of hard work and to see it recognized and appreciated with something as simple as a handshake, or a pat on the back goes a long way.
SC: Obviously being a student athlete has its challenges as well. What’s the most difficult thing about being a Gryphon?
TF: It’s hard to say what’s challenging, because I’ve always had a strict schedule in terms of school, soccer, and social life. I’ve had to work hard to balance my schedule and find time to take a breath and relax, but if I didn’t love what I’m doing, I could see how it would be challenging.
SC: Where (or who) do you get your motivation from, both on and off the field?
TF: My motivation on the field comes from the fans and the people on the bench. Every weekend they’re out there, rain or shine, so why shouldn’t I do everything in my power to make them happy? Off the field, my motivation comes from within. I expect a lot out of myself, so I’m always trying to push myself a little harder. My parents also play a big role in motivating me and making sure I have the right drive to be successful. They have always been there to support me and I feel I owe it to them.
SC: Who has been the most influential part of your life as a student and an athlete?
TF: It’s hard to say, because a lot of people have come and gone in the past three years, but going into my final year, I definitely feel as though I’ve taken the most from my coaches. They understand that I am a student first and know as much as I am committed to the team, I’m also very much committed to my schooling, and they respect that.
SC: You’re a Landscape Architecture student; how did you choose this particular major and what interests you most about it?
TF: I always find it funny when people ask me why I chose LA, and to be honest, my answer has changed since I first started. Landscape Architecture is a dynamic, developing profession that involves a great deal of passion, hard work, patience, understanding, and creativity. I’ve always been interested in how we can create feelings with shapes and materials. I guess the idea of using my own ideas and creating something that people will enjoy and appreciate is something I would really like to see.
SC: What are your goals and aspirations off the soccer field?
TF: This past summer, my brother and I started a Landscape Design company called Flynn Concepts, and I would like to pursue this and see where I can take it. I want to do good for people and I feel as though I’m in the right program to do so.
SC: What advice would you give to first year students?
TF: This is the advice I received a long time ago and it’s done me well: have fun, but narrow your sights on what it is you want and go after it.
SC: What’s next for you following this season, and this school year?
TF: Following the season I’m going to get healthy. I hope to finish the year with honours and have a good job come April. I also want to finish my schooling with a Master’s in Architecture and I’m setting my sights on maybe somewhere in the States where I can both play and learn.