Q&A with Mitchell Porter

Mitchell Porter (Alfred Almond) recently finished his impressive senior season with the Alfred State men's soccer team.

Porter finished his career with 22 goals and recorded 10 assists. Porter was recently named a honorable mention USCAA All-American and for the third straight year named to the National All-Academic team. He is the first Alfred State men's soccer player to earn All-American honors from the USCAA. 

After Porters successful season, we decided to sit down and ask him some questions and get to know Porter a little better. 

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I don't have any ritual like some players on our team. Some guys listen to music or make sure they tape their socks the same way. I've never bought into any of that seriously, for me it's about having fun as a leader and making sure everyone is ready for the game. Soccer is a team sport and I want to make sure my teammates are all on the same page before each game.

How do you balance academics and soccer?

Time management has been critical to achieving my goals in the classroom and on the soccer field and it's a skill I've been able to master. I always take advantage of any free time and stay ahead of my school work. 

For you, what's the most fun aspect about soccer? 

The friendships and the team camaraderie. The friendships that I've developed through soccer, not just at college, are definitely lifelong friendships that I will cherish.  

What is your favorite memory of the season?

Preseason, which may sound out of the ordinary to most. However,  I don't dread preseason like many athletes do. I looked forward to it every year because as a team we do nothing but play soccer with friends in beautiful weather. It doesn't get much better than that. 

What did you enjoy most about playing for Coach Hoover?

I thoroughly enjoyed Coach Hoover's great sense of humor. However, what I enjoy most from any coach is the opportunity to learn. I have had many coaches throughout my soccer career and with any new coach comes an opportunity to see a new perspective of the game. I hope to stay involved with soccer by becoming a coach someday. I will be able to mesh the many different perspectives that I was exposed to, and hopefully become an elite coach. 

This was your last season, what will you miss most?

This question is a very difficult for me to answer because there is so much that I will miss.  If i had to choose just one aspect, I would have to say my teammates and being apart of a team. A majority of the friendships that I have made in college have been through soccer. 

Why did you choose Alfred State? I chose Alfred State College for a few reasons. Primarily because of the Sport Management program, but also because of the location and it was cost effective. 

What are you plans after graduation? I haven't made a final decision, however, I am considering graduate school to receive my MBA.

What's your favorite movie? I like any movie that can make me laugh.

If you could watch any soccer match in the world, what match would you watch?

It has been a dream of mine to attend a World Cup Final match. To me it wouldn't matter who is playing, I want to experience the environment at the game.