University of North Carolina Athletics
Q&A with Michael Callahan
August 31, 2007 | Men's Soccer
Aug. 31, 2007
Junior Michael Callahan is entering his third season starting at midfield for Carolina. He shared the team lead in goals last year with four, and he's one of four returning starters to this year's squad. Prior to Friday's opener against Monmouth, TarHeelBlue.com sat down with Callahan to talk about the upcoming season ahead for the Tar Heels.
THB: The regular season begins Friday against Monmouth. How was training camp and all the training the team went through working towards this season?
Michael: Most of the guys on the team played PDL (Premier Development League) either in Greensboro or Raleigh. Some guys played for club teams in their hometown. We got back and everyone's really motivated to do well this year. Preseason camp was tough doing two-a-days, but I think it went really well.
THB: Looking back on last year, there were a lot of expectations for the team with the senior class and the high ranking. How disappointing was it to end the season in the 1st round of the NCAA Tournament?
Michael: We were arguably the most talented team in the country. We just never seemed to click as a unit, and it was tough. We had problems scoring goals.
THB: Last year you played in 10 games that ended with a 1-0 score with you winning five of them.
Michael: As a team, we try to play an aggressive style, really getting forward. Last year, we were hitting posts and we were getting breakaways, but not scoring. We didn't give up many goals, but we just didn't score many either.
THB: What's it like not having the seniors from last year's squad back?
Michael: We actually had seven starting seniors who left. It's different; we have a whole new look. Seventy percent of the starting lineup is new, but I think we've got a lot of guys who are really motivated so it's exciting.
THB: Has anyone in particular stepped up to fill the leadership void left by those departing seniors?
Michael: Andre Sherard is our captain, and we've got a good group of guys who are doing a solid job leading the team. Really everyone has stepped up- everyone is working really hard.
THB: This will be your third year as a starter in the midfield. Do you feel like you need to have a bigger role as a leader?
Michael: I do definitely. I hope it's something I can work on and become an effective leader for the team- for this year and next year.
THB: The team has totaled seven goals in the two exhibition games. Has the team focused on a more attacking style approach?
Michael: We're playing the same formation we played last year. I think it just comes down to a mindset where everyone is so frustrated with last year how we didn't score. We're really making it a point- we don't care how we score. It doesn't matter. We're going to score good goals, bad goals. It's one thing we really put our minds to. We still want the same defensive discipline we've had the last few years because we've had really good goals-against averages and we don't want to sacrifice that.
THB: Is Coach Bolowich emphasizing a more offensive-minded approach at all?
Michael: He definitely is. The big thing is getting more numbers into the box. That's a problem we had with last year. We got around the sides and we didn't have the numbers in the box. We've worked on that a lot in training.
THB: What kind of goals has the team set this year?
Michael: We want to get a ring. Starting last spring after a disappointing season, we said we want to set goals of winning the ACC Tournament. One specific goal is doing well in the ACC and the league. We've kind of struggled and been an average team in the league always finishing right around .500. We've set the goal to be at the top of the table at the end of the season.
THB: What is the biggest difference between this year's team and the previous two?
Michael: I think we want to win more, that's what I would say.
THB: The team isn't ranked as high to start this season as they were last season. Do you or the team put much stock in that and use it as motivation?
Michael: We try not to really concern ourselves with that. People are going to rank us and it doesn't matter as long as we go out and win games. We want to prove to ourselves that we can win games.
THB: Have you noticed any players in particular that have made a big jump from last season?
Michael: I would definitely say some guys- some sophomores who didn't get too much playing time last year but are now starting. Zach Loyd, Eddie Ababio, and David Rodriguez are all starting now and doing really well and contributing a lot to the team.
THB: With this being your third year, what have you learned in the past two years that has been the most valuable in preparing for this season?
Michael: The most important thing I've learned is it's not so much the talent you have on the team. You need talent on the team, but without really good team chemistry and the right mentality, it doesn't matter. That's what's going to take you farther is the team's work ethic and things like that.
THB: What's been your most memorable moment thus far playing at Carolina?
Michael: Definitely freshman year scoring in overtime the game-winning goal against Wake Forest. That was pretty exciting.
THB: Your bio lists you at #9 in the IronRam standings among all male Olympic sport athletes. Are you a weight-room junkie?
Michael: No, I'm not a weight-room junkie. I'm pretty light so that helps out because they do it by percentage of your body weight. I go in there and work hard, but everyone does as well.
