To Stefano Fanfoni, midfielder for the men’s soccer team, soccer is not just about running after a ball.
“Soccer for me is the summary of the world in a small environment — the field and locker room. Every situation you can find in the world, you have in [soccer].”
Fanfoni studied psychology as an undergraduate and is now a master’s student in marriage and family therapy. When he first learned about the program from, he found that it was exactly what he was looking for.
“We try to see what the individual thinks and what the individual has to say about it,” Fanfoni said. “In all my relationships, I look into the individuality of every single person.”
Fanfoni joined a team in Italy when he was 8, and, eventually, was selected to play in his town’s professional team. To Fanfoni, soccer was the ideal sport to develop and have fun.
One of his coaches in Italy invited him to participate in a soccer trial. Fanfoni had never even thought of coming to America to play.
“I didn’t even know that in America, football is called soccer,” Fanfoni said.
At those trials was Coach Giuseppe “Joe” DePalo, who is now the head coach. He accepted DePalo’s offer and came to NSU. Fanfoni said playing for NSU is one of the biggest opportunities he’s had in his life.
“I’m getting an education in something that I love to do and at the same time I’m keeping my biggest passion, soccer,” Fanfoni.
In his first year as a Shark, Fanfoni scored a winning goal against Lynn University, a moment Fanfoni said is his best memory of his years at NSU. The following year, he was named to the All-Sunshine State Conference Second Team and played and started in 15 matches.
I asked Fanfani a few questions to learn more about him.
What’s your favorite part of any soccer game?
“I would say the cohesion between teammates, which is shown by passing the ball. I think it’s a form of art, seeing how teammates can communicate without talking. Passing the ball is the tool to show that everybody’s on the same page. I think that’s amazing.”
Who is your favorite soccer player?
“Andrés Iniesta.”
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
“I remind myself to smile.”
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
“I’m pretty happy with the powers I have.”
What do you do for fun besides soccer?
“I study. I read. I love to read spiritual books. I spend time with my girlfriend. … We’re enjoying the present thinking of a future together, so that’s a big part of my life.”
What is your favorite thing to eat?
“My dad’s risotto.”
What do you feel is your greatest strength?
“Open mind.”
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be?
“Where I feel home. No matter where you are … it depends on how you feel with the people around you and the relationships that you build, that’s the most important thing. I definitely feel home here.”
What do you want to do with your degree?
“Either open a private practice or work for an agency in the meantime or enroll in a doctoral program. I like to keep more doors open.”
