Max Felsentein
Ben Audi, a senior captain and forward on the Drew University men’s soccer team, was not only named to the Landmark Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll last week for the second straight year. He also scored the winning goal in Drew’s 1-0 victory over seventh-ranked Lycoming College in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
“This season has definitely brought some of my proudest moments. Winning the conference has been a goal of ours every year and so finally achieving that was amazing,” Ben Audi (’18) said. “Now being in the NCAA tournament, I can say that making the Sweet 16 is something I am very proud of.”
While Audi is proud of his season and his stalemate breaking goal, he emphasized the importance of the team.
“I think over the last four years we’ve had some talented teams, but I think this year, especially the chemistry that everyone has built together is something that is making us better. Everyone is on the same page and is pushing each other to be better every day,” Audi said.
The men’s soccer team finished the regular season undefeated for the first time in school history with an overall record of 17-0-1. They also went on to beat rivals Susquehanna and Elizabethtown, to win the Landmark Conference. Being a champion has been a goal of Audi’s and the rest of the soccer program since they stepped foot on campus.
“Soccer has taught me a lot,” Audi said. “I’ve been able to form great relationships and have learned how to work in a team to reach a common goal. I think that’s something that I have been able to translate to the classroom as well which has helped me do well during my time at Drew.”
Audi, from Paramus N.J. expects to graduate this spring with flying colors, not just as an NCAA Tournament champion, but also with a degree in Economics, with hopes of working in the finance industry.
“I chose Drew because I knew I could play the sport I love while also getting a valuable liberal arts education,” Audi said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to major in, so I wanted to make sure I was exposed to many subjects in college. It’s definitely matched my expectations.”
Audi prides himself on the little things, which has helped him stay focused throughout his four years at Drew both on and off the field, helping him excel during times of adversity.
“Detail oriented, ambitious, and aggressive,” Audi said as he described himself. “I pay attention to detail in most things I do. I believe I work as hard as I can and I don’t back down from any challenge on the field.”
“We know we can compete with anyone on the field,” Audi said. “A national championship would be something really special and we’re capable of.”
Audi’s resilience and determination will be front and center as the Rangers continue their hunt for the program’s first National Championship. The Rangers will take on No. 19 ranked Brandeis, this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in Medford, MA.
