Interview with Nico Hillison, Colby-bound Men's College Soccer Player

When did you first begin playing soccer and when did you know it was something you would want to do in college?
I have been playing Soccer since I was in first grade. Because I lived in Barcelona, Spain, every little kid has a passion to play soccer and become great at the sport. Every lunch break I would play with friends and have fun together. Playing soccer in college was something I wanted to do when I began playing competitive soccer in San Francisco. My mentality was always: ‘What’s next?’. I have had the goal to play college soccer since I was in 7th grade.

How has the San Francisco Elite Academy shaped you into the player and student athlete you are today?
San Francisco Elite Academy has shaped me into the person I wanted to become has helped me throughout my time here playing soccer in San Francisco. It has taught me to be disciplined, committed, respectful, and eager to learn more. SFEA has helped me have an open mentality off and on the pitch. I have learned that if I wanted to become a college athlete, I would have to set my priorities straight. School and soccer have been and are my number one priorities.

Choosing a college is daunting and finding one to also play soccer can make it even more so. Please share a few thoughts on your college-selection/recruiting process and how you came to the conclusion your school was right for you?
I wanted a school that would really help me grow as an individual and as an athlete. Though there are a lot of colleges with a soccer program, there are less who have a very rigorous academic curriculum as well. I wanted to be able to challenge myself both academically and athletically in the learning environment that was right for me. Being able to visit and have contact with students was very important to me. Colby College made me feel as if I was at home.

When did you begin working on your college recruiting and what did you do first?
I started my college recruiting process at the beginning/middle of my Junior year of High School. The first thing I did was create a highlight tape of the past season. I wanted to show coaches who I was before I personally met them. I began sending personalized emails with the highlight tape to coaches that were attending college showcases that I was interested in as well as coaches who were attending College ID Camps. I wanted them to informally know who I was before they saw me on the field and have some sense of familiarity with me.

What key words of advice would you give fellow SFEA players who are just beginning the college recruiting (or finding a college soccer play opportunity) process?
Something that helped me a lot was to really be clear with what I wanted for my future. You always want to ask yourself ‘what is next?’. There comes a lot of responsibility and hard work by committing to play college soccer as well as at any soccer club. The dedication has to come from one's own interest, not others pushing to do what they would like you to do. It has to be one’s passion.

Please share what you are most excited about when it comes to attending your college--from student life to academics/areas of study as well as college play?
I am excited to have a fresh start and be able to pursue both my academic and athletic passion. I am aware of the responsibility I have now and I cannot wait to set on the soccer field with my new soccer team. I also can’t wait to meet new people from all over the country. I want to major in computer science as well as have a double minor, one in math and another in philosophy. I am dedicated and want to pursue this passion. Being able to do all of this while playing soccer is a blessing.

Is there anyone you would like to specifically thank for helping you on your journey from youth player to elite prospect to college-level soccer?
I would like to thank a lot of people but specifically my parents, who have driven me everywhere for practices and games so I wouldn’t be late and stay committed to the team. I would like to thank Po Bronson who saw the love for the game that I had and became my mentor off and on the pitch. Lastly, I would like to thank both Mauricio Diaz de Leon and Paddy Coyne. Both of these coaches helped me become the player I am today and were there for me off and on the soccer field. ​