Luca Tausch is currently one of the most exciting athletes on the Hofstra men’s soccer team. The defensive-minded sophomore midfielder has shown that he is one of the hardest workers on the field, committed to bettering himself, as well as those around him.

This is a mindset that Tausch has developed over several years of hard work and training, starting back in his days of club soccer with FC Basel in his native country of Germany.

“I was one of the older guys [on the team],” said Tausch. “I learned how to lead and how to help other guys out, and that is also my position now.”

Tausch is a natural leader on the Pride roster. FC Basel gave him experience with a lot of adversity, something he needed to make him the player for the Pride that he is now.

“I was not one of the [starting] 11, I was more like number 14 or 15,” Tausch said. “I didn’t play every game. It really taught me how to work with setbacks, and how to work with frustration.”

Competing in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) soccer compared to the game he played back in Germany has provided him with a challenge. Tausch has met this challenge with tenacity and is keeping up with the intensive “American-style” play.

“It’s a very erratic game,” Tausch said. “Usually in Europe, after 20 minutes the game settles down and goes from there. [In the U.S.,] it is always full speed and athletic.”

Tausch thrived in this new style of play, competing against some of the best colleges in the nation. Namely Harvard University last September, where he scored his very first collegiate goal.

“It was pretty special, especially in my position,” Tausch said. “I don’t really score a lot of goals, I’m more of a defensive player. It felt really good to help the team.”

Tausch is one of the hardest workers in the locker room, holding himself to a rigorous training schedule on a daily basis.

“Training is really limited, so it is about what you do off the field,” Tausch said. “I like getting to practice early; I make sure I stretch a lot and go to ice baths after. You have to really focus on recovery. If you are at your best every game, results will come.”

Tausch has been fortunate enough to have teammates to guide him and help him grow as an athlete. Among those teammates is fellow international midfielder Adam Savill.

“He knows a lot about the game,” Tausch said. “Working with him every day at practice, he makes me better and I hope I make him better as well.”

Tausch is wise well beyond his age, and that shows in his determined attitude towards everything he does. His mindset and his drive show daily with his “never give up” attitude.

“Always keep going and think about what your goals are,” Tausch said. “Even if you have setbacks – and that happened a lot for me – you have to think about the joy that soccer provides.”

He demonstrates this same tenacity in the classroom, constantly working at his studies, both while he is on campus and on the road. His academic effort has shown, as he was named to the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll for both the fall and spring semesters of his freshman year.

“I study on the bus often,” Tausch said. “At nights after practice, I like to do a study group with my teammates. I don’t like to cram, so it is important to get it out of the way when it is easy.”

After a year of experience at Hofstra under his belt, Tausch is ready to make the next step as an athlete. Knowing what to expect and what he brings to the table is going to make him a serious force on this team.

“I know more about the game, what it feels like, what it looks like,” Tausch said. “I also have a better understanding of my teammates, as well as which opponents within the CAA to look out for.”

As he understands his teammates, the sophomore is ready to step into a new role on and off the field.

“I looked up to all the older players last year, and what they did,” Tausch said. “It has made me realize what I have to do this year, to help the new players.” 

The team as a whole has its sights set on yet another competitive year, and Tausch is going to be a large part of the team’s success.

“I am convinced that we can win the CAA this year,” he said. “I think we can also compete in the NCAA tournament and win 12 games this season.”

Image courtesy of Hofstra Athletics