Sept. 18, 2000

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu)\ - Craig Schroeder has been working toward this for 10 years: his senior season as the goalkeeper for the two-time defending Patriot League champion Lafayette soccer team, and the last obstacle to overcome before trying to fulfill his ultimate dream of playing professional soccer. At the rate he has been going the past four years, he has a legitimate shot at that dream.

Schroeder started 17 games for last year's Patriot League champion Leopards, recording five shutouts and a 0.99 goals against average. The government and law major stopped 75 saves and boasted a .806 saves percentage for coach Tim Lenahan's team, all while maintaining a 3.49 grade point average. He is also the only starting player remaining for Lafayette from the 1998 Patriot League championship team.

"Craig is very committed, both as a player and as a student at Lafayette," Lenahan said. "I don't know of anyone who works as hard as he does to improve himself in both areas and consistently strive to get better at everything."

Schroeder says that his greatest challenge is balancing his studies and excelling on the soccer field but he knows the benefits of his hard work will pay off in the long run. "There are just some things that need to get done before I can think about playing soccer and prioritizing is the key to making it all work out," he said.

The Cranbury, N.J., native was introduced to soccer at a very young age and has continued to excel over the years. His father, a former player at Clemson, peaked his interest in the sport and watching the 1990 World Cup made Schroeder realize his career goal.

"After watching that World Cup competition, I knew I wanted to be a professional goalie," he said. "I've been working toward that chance for the past 10 years and it's been my dream ever since."

Originally, Schroeder planned on playing soccer at Vanderbilt but after a disappointing season and first semester at the Tennessee school, he transferred to Lafayette and to a program that welcomed him with open arms.

"I decided to leave Vanderbilt because I was disappointed in my positioning there," Schroeder commented. "I thought I should have played more and after I decided to transfer, I took a year off to try to play soccer in England. Then I came to Lafayette anxious to be a big contributor to a winning team."

He said that the closeness to home and the intimate atmosphere of the College were what attracted him, along with the ability to constantly evolve as a player and a student. He is as concerned with what is going on off the field as he is when he is in the goal.

"He has a strong social-conscience and he has great command wherever he goes," Lenahan said. "He enjoys working hard and because of that enthusiasm and determination, he will succeed."

Schroeder recently had the opportunity of a lifetime for his soccer career when he spent the summer playing in Argentina. Thanks to connections Lenahan made as the head coach of Division III Stockton prior to his arrival at Lafayette, Schroeder was invited to play on the club team where he practiced against some of the top soccer players in the world. One of which was Fernando Redondo, a commanding player for the two-time defending world champion A.C. Milan team.

Schroeder plans on making his senior year his best yet on the soccer field, already setting his sights on the Patriot League title. "We've already won two titles but it just doesn't seem like enough," he said. Despite the Leopards' 0-3 start this season, Schroeder is determined to lead his team to the top of League again this year and hopefully to a repeat performance at the NCAA tournament.

"Two years ago, everything just fell into place and last year we were seasoned veterans who pulled it together at the end," Schroeder said. "But this year, I want redemption for that loss to Clemson (in the first round of the 1999 NCAA tournament). I don't want to remember my NCAA experience with a loss like that. I want us to go all the way this time."

When looking back at his experiences on College Hill, Schroeder says that he is glad he had the opportunity to become part of such a close-knit community. He believes the interaction between faculty and students, as well as coaches and players, at a smaller school allows student-athletes to thrive and develop into well-rounded degree holders.

If his dream of playing professional soccer does not work out, Schroeder plans on going to law school and becoming a lawyer. Either way, he knows the education and experience of Lafayette will make a permanent impression on his life.