University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Smir Reflects On Career And Looks Ahead To Draft Day
January 10, 2022 | Men's Soccer
CHAPEL HILL - Alec Smir is one of the top goalkeepers in the history of the North Carolina men's soccer program. As a senior this past year, he received was named First Team All-ACC honors as well as First Team as well as Second Team All-South Region. He led the ACC with a 0.57 goals against average as a junior en route to a second-team all-conference selection. During his 66-game career, Smir posted a career save percentage of 70.1 and allowed just 0.83 goals per game.
Smir recently chatted with GoHeels.com about his Carolina career and the prospects of a professional career ahead of the upcoming 2022 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.
Smir recently chatted with GoHeels.com about his Carolina career and the prospects of a professional career ahead of the upcoming 2022 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.
Q. I know it's only been a short time, but what's it like looking back on your UNC career?
A. "It's kind of bittersweet honestly looking back. I had a crazy experience coming in and playing that first season. It feels like years ago that I started. It's been bittersweet because there have been so many incredible memories, individual games, moments with your teammates and coaches; it's sad that its over but it's exciting looking forward to what's next."
Q. Is there any game or moment that stands out in your mind?
A. "There are a few. One where we beat Clemson at the buzzer when Fillipo scored that header at home. When we beat Virginia in overtime when Jelani Peters scored the game winner. Those moments after the game when we're dogpiled on top of each other. Those moments are really special."
Q. What did it mean to you to be named First-Team All-ACC this season?
A. "I'm very proud that I got it and it feels good to recognized for all the hard work I put in."
Q. What was the MLS Combine like, being around all the best college players in the country?
A. "It was a really amazing experience being around all those guys. It was a lot of fun. All those guys are talented, but they're also a great group of guys. It was a lot of fun to be emersed in that setting."
Q. And do you feel like you performed well at the combine?
A. "Yeah I did. We started off with a training session to get going. We did performance testing then we had two games. There were four goalkeepers, so I played a half in each game. I feel like I did well and showcased what I can do. It's hard in two halves to show everything that you're capable to do."
Q. Did you get a chance to talk to certain coaches from certain organizations when you were there?
A. "Throughout the weekend teams were able to interview you. They have conference rooms set up and teams scheduled times to meet with you. I was interviewed by the New York Red Bulls and DC United. It was cool and interesting to talk to them. New York was more structured compared to DC which was more casual. Each team had a different approach but they both said that this was a job interview and a business decision for them."
Q. What would you say to an MLS GM if he asked you why he should draft you?
A. "I think I'm a good shot stopper. I have an attacking mindset which is something that UNC has helped me develop. We're a pressing team and I must be that last line [of defense]. That has helped me to intercept through balls, come off my line for 1v1s as well as having an aerial presence for crosses or anything into the box. Being at UNC has helped me develop my skills of collecting crosses and cut out chances before they happen."
Q. What would it mean to you to get drafted?
A. "It would be a dream come true. It would be a culmination of all the work I put in."
Q. When you came out of high school and decided to go to Carolina, did you feel like where you are now was a legitimate goal for you in that timeframe?
A. "This is the position I was hoping to be in, being in the pool for the draft. When I was younger, I just wanted to get on the team. I didn't really think about being first team All-ACC or anything like that. I was hoping just to get to Carolina. I was thrown in my freshman year, and I did well. It just carried on from there."
Q. How much do you credit the Carolina soccer program for getting you to this point?
A. "Everything I've developed here at Carolina is a credit to [coach] Carlos [Somoano], all the goalkeeper coaches we've had, and the whole UNC environment. It's a special environment. It pushes you to achieve at the highest level whether it be on the field or off the field. It has helped me mature as person and a player. My experience here has been unbelievable."
Q. What is the correct name for your sport, soccer or fútbol?
A. "I've always known it as soccer. It gives it that American twist, but it definitely is fútbol.
A. "It's kind of bittersweet honestly looking back. I had a crazy experience coming in and playing that first season. It feels like years ago that I started. It's been bittersweet because there have been so many incredible memories, individual games, moments with your teammates and coaches; it's sad that its over but it's exciting looking forward to what's next."
Q. Is there any game or moment that stands out in your mind?
A. "There are a few. One where we beat Clemson at the buzzer when Fillipo scored that header at home. When we beat Virginia in overtime when Jelani Peters scored the game winner. Those moments after the game when we're dogpiled on top of each other. Those moments are really special."
Q. What did it mean to you to be named First-Team All-ACC this season?
A. "I'm very proud that I got it and it feels good to recognized for all the hard work I put in."
Q. What was the MLS Combine like, being around all the best college players in the country?
A. "It was a really amazing experience being around all those guys. It was a lot of fun. All those guys are talented, but they're also a great group of guys. It was a lot of fun to be emersed in that setting."
Q. And do you feel like you performed well at the combine?
A. "Yeah I did. We started off with a training session to get going. We did performance testing then we had two games. There were four goalkeepers, so I played a half in each game. I feel like I did well and showcased what I can do. It's hard in two halves to show everything that you're capable to do."
Q. Did you get a chance to talk to certain coaches from certain organizations when you were there?
A. "Throughout the weekend teams were able to interview you. They have conference rooms set up and teams scheduled times to meet with you. I was interviewed by the New York Red Bulls and DC United. It was cool and interesting to talk to them. New York was more structured compared to DC which was more casual. Each team had a different approach but they both said that this was a job interview and a business decision for them."
Q. What would you say to an MLS GM if he asked you why he should draft you?
A. "I think I'm a good shot stopper. I have an attacking mindset which is something that UNC has helped me develop. We're a pressing team and I must be that last line [of defense]. That has helped me to intercept through balls, come off my line for 1v1s as well as having an aerial presence for crosses or anything into the box. Being at UNC has helped me develop my skills of collecting crosses and cut out chances before they happen."
Q. What would it mean to you to get drafted?
A. "It would be a dream come true. It would be a culmination of all the work I put in."
Q. When you came out of high school and decided to go to Carolina, did you feel like where you are now was a legitimate goal for you in that timeframe?
A. "This is the position I was hoping to be in, being in the pool for the draft. When I was younger, I just wanted to get on the team. I didn't really think about being first team All-ACC or anything like that. I was hoping just to get to Carolina. I was thrown in my freshman year, and I did well. It just carried on from there."
Q. How much do you credit the Carolina soccer program for getting you to this point?
A. "Everything I've developed here at Carolina is a credit to [coach] Carlos [Somoano], all the goalkeeper coaches we've had, and the whole UNC environment. It's a special environment. It pushes you to achieve at the highest level whether it be on the field or off the field. It has helped me mature as person and a player. My experience here has been unbelievable."
Q. What is the correct name for your sport, soccer or fútbol?
A. "I've always known it as soccer. It gives it that American twist, but it definitely is fútbol.
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