Recently we had a chance to speak with FDU men's soccer player Aaron Paye.  Paye, a 2001 Third Team All-American, led FDU to the NEC Title last year and far beyond. FDU made a magical run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, the furthest any NEC team has gone in any sport. The Knights knocked off Boston College, Princeton and Seton Hall, before losing in the quarterfinals to eventual national champion North Carolina in triple overtime. Paye came up big when it counted, scoring three of  FDU's six goals in tournament action. The senior forward also tallied a league-high 42 points on 17 goals and eight assists last season. Currently the Knights are in second place in the league standings (4-3-4, 2-0-2 NEC) as they seek their third straight NEC crown.

Name: Aaron Paye
School: Fairleigh Dickinson
Sport: Men’s Soccer
Year: Senior

Hometown: Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
High School: Champlin Park
Major: Criminal Justice
Notable Awards: 2001 Third Team All American, 2001 NEC First Team All-Conference

Favorite Movie: Barber Shop
Favorite Music: Rap
Favorite Soccer Player: Ronaldo
Favorite Class/Professor: Intro. to Criminal Justice taught by Professor Smith

NEC: Why did you choose to come to FDU?

AP: I was recruited to play soccer. I also wanted to come to the East Coast since I live in Minnesota and I am originally from Liberia, Africa.

NEC: What career do you wish to pursue after graduation?

AP: I want to try to play professional soccer. If I work hard hopefully I will get a chance, but if it doesn’t work out then I would pursue something in the criminal justice field, possibly a detective.

NEC: What is it like to have a bullseye on your back after your team had such a great season last year?

AP: I feel a little pressure. Eight games into the season and I have been bumped around a lot. I’m in the training room after games more, but I’m a strong kid, so I can take it.

NEC: What are your goals this season?

AP: Ultimately to make it back to the NCAA tournament. We need to win the conference and win games in the tournament.

NEC: What will it take for FDU to repeat this year and go back to the NCAA Tournament?

AP: We need to get on the same page and stay healthy. A bunch of the guys are out with injuries. We need to learn how to play together, so we can get back there.

NEC: Who is your biggest competition?

AP: Robert Morris, whom we beat already, and LIU, always a tough game.

NEC: How do you prepare for a big game?

AP: I tell everyone to come out and play hard. When the captains aren’t on the field I try to be a vocal leader.

NEC: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

AP: I wear two rubber bands on my wrist.

NEC: How long have you been playing?

AP: From the time I was walking. My mom gave me a soccer ball when I was little.

NEC: What quality in your game makes it so difficult for people to defend you?

AP: My speed                                

NEC: Describe how you felt when you were selected to the All-American team?

AP: I was very excited especially since I felt like I was overlooked in high school.

NEC: What was your most memorable moment in the run to Elite Eight?

AP: My goal in overtime against Boston College and the goal to beat Princeton. It was a great feeling and even more memorable because my dad was there for both games.

- Interview conducted by Dawn Van Cleef, NEC Administrative Intern