This week, TSL had the pleasure of sitting down with soccer standout Nigel Brady PO ’15, a politics major from Sacramento, Calif. Brady is in his third year with the Pomona-Pitzer men’s soccer team, playing what Brady calls “the loneliest position”: goalkeeper. Taking over the starting spot for the first time this season and starting in goal for almost every game so far, Brady has helped the Sagehens to two straight shutout wins, including a big win over rival Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in which he came up with seven clutch saves. He has been a rock in the net for P-P all season long, collecting 64 saves in sixteen games and four shutouts. Brady shared with us how he originally began playing soccer, the most interesting thing he has ever eaten, and his plans for Halloween.
TSL: How and when did you start playing soccer?
Nigel Brady: I started playing as a wee little lad, which is what happens when you have a father from Manchester. Playing all the time was just something that was assumed, and I enjoyed it so I stuck with it.
TSL: Did you or do you still play any other sports?
NB: I’ve spent a good deal of time playing rugby, which I really enjoyed and might pick up again.
TSL: Has your family influenced you and soccer in any way?
NB: Like I said before, my dad has been a huge influence on my playing. Not only did he get me into it, but he was a great coach and a huge support through everything. He and I really enjoy watching games together, and it’s a great time for us to reconnect when I’m home.
TSL: What has been your most memorable win?
NB: Some say the only thing that matters is your last win, but our 1-0 win at CMS on Saturday sure was sweet.
TSL: Do you follow any club soccer teams?
NB: I’ve followed Manchester City since I was a little kid, back when they were really bad. I’m not thrilled that they just go buy a bunch of players now, but they’re still my team. Internationally, my father and I are big England supporters.
TSL: What teams do you root for in general?
NB: I’m a big hockey fan too, especially of the Montreal Canadiens. Hometown loyalties mean I’m a Sacramento Kings fan too, for better or for worse.
TSL: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever eaten?
NB: The most interesting thing I’ve eaten has to be a tie between two things I had in Iceland: Traditional pickled whale blubber tastes about as strange as it sounds, as does Hákarl, which is fermented shark. It’s usually eaten with an Icelandic schnapps called Brennivín, so it’s a bite of shark and a shot of schnapps. Basically, the more you eat, the better it tastes.
TSL: Are you dressing up for Halloween this year?
NB: Absolutely, I’m dressing up for Halloween; I’m just not sure what I’ll be yet. Last year my girlfriend and I were Fred and Daphne from Scooby Doo, so we’ll see if something better comes to mind.
TSL: Any favorite Halloween candies?
NB: Sweet Tarts and Sour Patch Watermelons are the best, hands down.