This week, The Clarion sat down with Andre Shinyashiki, a freshman from Brazil who is playing forward for DU’s men’s soccer team.

NAME: Andre Shinyashiki

SPORT: Soccer

GRADE: Freshman

MAJOR: Undecided

HOME COUNTRY: Brazil

Q: How old are you and where are you from?

A: I’m 18 and from Brazil.

Q: When did you start playing soccer and how did you first get into the sport?

A: I started soccer really early. I used to play futsal in Brazil, which is indoor 5v5. Then at about seven years old, I started playing with a club team in Brazil called Pequeninos do Jockey.

Q: How did you decide that you wanted to play for DU?

A: I was playing a tournament in Europe in 2013 and there was a guy on my team that knew of a good high school in Florida. I did my junior and senior year there. Ryan Hopkins, the assistant coach at DU, saw me playing and he recruited me to come play at DU.

Q: How has it been adjusting to playing at a college level?

A: College varsity is very different. It’s a lot more physical. It’s very hard. I came here in the summer, so it was a very smooth transition because I got to play with my teammates and I know them very well. I think I’m adapting well.

Q: Can you tell me about your first game as a Pioneer?

A: I was very excited to be starting my first game. I worked very hard during the summer and during preseason, too. We got the win and I was very happy to help my team by scoring two goals. I couldn’t ask for anything better than that.

Q: What is your plan for maintaining your high level of  play and performance?

A: I intend to give my best every game. I try to work my hardest defensively and also score goals for the team. I’m just trying to do my best and help the team with goals or assists or whatever I can.