DETROIT (9/8/2020) -- Junior forward
Kyle Bandyk (Novi, Mich. / Novi) led the University of Detroit Mercy men's soccer team in goals (four) and points (10) last season, helping lead the Titan offense as the red, white and blue finished No. 3 in the Horizon League regular-season standings in 2019.
Bandyk was named to the Horizon League Men's Soccer All-Academic Team following the 2019 season and earned Horizon League All-Freshman Team honors during his first season in the red, white and blue in 2017. He has started all 38 matches during his two seasons playing with the Titans and has six goals, two assists and 14 points across those games.
He was selected as the Offensive MVP following the conclusion of the 2019-20 season and also was
voted as the "Goal of the Year" for his booming strike at Green Bay.
With the absence of the fall sports season in the Horizon League, DetroitTitans.com caught up with Bandyk for 10 questions:
Do you have a favorite moment or game currently so far in your Detroit Mercy men's soccer career?
KB: My freshman year quarterfinal win at Milwaukee in the Horizon League tournament (in 2017).
What's the best part about being a Titan and a student-athlete at Detroit Mercy?
KB: The relationships built with my teammates, coaching staff, and all other coaches and athletes around Calihan Hall.
If you weren't playing soccer, what's another sport that you might be playing? Or was there another sport that you considered playing in college?
KB: I loved playing basketball, but had to stop playing in high school to focus on soccer because I was naturally much better at soccer.
Seems like soccer is a family sport with your sister also playing at Ferris State -- when did you start playing? Did your parents play as well? Always something that has been a sport in your family?
KB: Parents never played soccer. Mom played softball in high school and Dad played basketball.
What are your plans when your soccer career is over? What are your career aspirations?
KB: I hope to take a fulfilling and well-paying job in a management finance role in the health/supplements industry. I hope to eventually run my own business down the road.
What are some of the things that you enjoy doing in your downtime away from school?
KB: I watch a lot of YouTube and am very interested in conspiracy theory type subjects. I also enjoy golfing with my friends.
Do you have a favorite soccer club/team and favorite soccer player across all levels?
KB: Surprisingly I do not watch soccer or sports in general therefore I do not really have a favorite player. I think it makes me a unique player as I do not copy anything I watched on TV, I just play my way.
Do you have any pre-match rituals? Any favorite opponents that you look forward to playing?
KB: I do not have any consistent rituals. As a player, there are games where you are ready to go and need nothing to trigger the energy and motivation for the game. But everyone has games where they need to do something prior to the game to trigger the intensity. For me, if I need that trigger it is either loud 80's rock music or making sure my teammates are hyped up for the game. When I ask them, it makes me get more ready to play.
What is your favorite professor and/or class on campus?
KB: Dr. Don (DiPaolo) is the most involved and personal professor on campus. He supports numerous athletics programs. He takes the time to help his students grow in his leadership courses.
What's your No. 1 bucket list item?
KB: I have been wanting to go to the Grand Canyon for a long time now. I hear how incredible it is to experience that in person. Pictures do not do it justice and I want to have that experience of being there at some point in my life.
