DETROIT (10/6/2020) -- University of Detroit Mercy men's soccer senior
Daniel Iyok (Rochester Hills, Mich. / Rochester) is one of the leaders on the Titan squad entering the 2020-21 school year. A fourth-year member with the red, white and blue, Iyok and his teammates are navigating the current national pandemic.
Iyok played in 13 matches for the Titans a season ago, earning 12 starts, and recording one goal and one assist, while posting seven shots on goal. He has five career points (two goals, one assist) for Detroit Mercy and has played in 37 matches entering his senior campaign.
With the absence of the fall sports season in the Horizon League, DetroitTitans.com caught up with Iyok:
What are some of your favorite moments that you've had as a student-athlete in these past three-plus years?
DI: Our trips to California were very memorable and fun. First was in my sophomore year when I scored against University of California Berkley on my birthday, and junior year when we beat San Diego State in a dramatic road game, 3-2.
What's the best part about being a Titan and a student-athlete at Detroit Mercy?
DI: The bond you build with people associated with Calihan Hall. As a social person, I like the fact that student-athletes end up knowing one another, coaches, medical staff, and even the Athletic Director somehow due to our small and close community.
Talk a little about playing with Demetri Pliakos since high school and how that has helped both of you?
DI: Playing with Demetri since high school has made things easier for me on and off the field. Him and his brother, Spiro, made it a comfortable decision for me to pick UDM for school and soccer. We are really close, and we learn a lot from each other. We became two of the three captains of the team last offseason. We push each other to get better every day in whatever we do and that transpires to the team.
Do you have a bucket list item that you'd like to accomplish in your lifetime?
DI: Visit China because my dad said he really enjoyed his trip there.
What's your favorite sport that you might be playing if you weren't playing soccer?
DI: TENNIS
Is it hard to train not knowing what the future holds?
DI: YES, but my love for the sport makes it easier.
Do you have a favorite club/soccer team and a favorite player that you enjoy watching?
DI: Manchester United is my favorite team and my favorite players are Neymar and Paul Pogba.
Other than Titan Field, do you have a favorite college stadium that you have played in over the years?
DI: Michigan's soccer stadium.
Any pre-match rituals that you have when preparing for a game?
DI: I always talk to a family member; mom, dad, brothers, or cousins. I pray for my teammates and I to perform to the best of our abilities.
What are you career aspirations and what do you think you'll be doing in five years?
DI: Play pro soccer for a little if given the chance. My long-term aspirations are to become a financial manager and eventually own a company.
