Oct. 31, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Senior captain Michael Callahan has been an outstanding contributor to the Tar Heels since his freshman season, having scored eight goals and assisted on 12 others. The Cary, N.C., native and the rest of the Carolina seniors take the field for their last regular season home game Saturday against No. 1 Wake Forest. Callahan recently looked back on his career here and answered some questions for TarHeelBlue.com.

TarHeelBlue.com: Why did you choose UNC?
Michael Callahan: I grew up in Cary and had always heard about the Carolina soccer program. I wanted to be in as competitive environment as possible. Also, my brother went here and told me what a great place it is.

THB.com: What is the best thing about being a Tar Heel?
MC: Representing this university is a great honor every time that I step on the field wearing the Carolina colors.

THB.com: You've been one of the team's leading scorers the past two seasons. Do you have a favorite goal?
MC: Probably against Wake Forest my freshman year in overtime or last year against Duke in the ACC tournament. Both were game winning goals in very important games for the team.

THB.com: What makes soccer a great sport?
MC: The fact that it is such a free flowing game. In most other sports there are a lot of stoppages and time outs, but soccer is non-stop for 90 minutes. Also, there is no greater feeling than scoring a goal. Since scoring is hard to come by, it feels that much better to see the ball hit the back of the net.

THB.com: Looking back at your freshman year, you scored the game-winning overtime goal against Wake Forest. Do you remember the feeling of scoring your first collegiate goal, especially at such a crucial moment?
MC: Honestly, it is all kind of a blur. I just remember getting mobbed by my teammates and everyone going crazy. It was an amazing experience.

THB.com: Last season you earned SuperRam status for outstanding work with the strength and conditioning staff. Can you explain that award? What is the importance of working hard in the weight room?
MC: The award is given to the top ten athletes based on ten different events that represent speed, strength and agility. My good friend from high school, Todd Eberhart, taught me everything I know about the weight room.

THB.com: How has the Carolina men's soccer team changed over the four seasons you've played here?
MC: Every team I've played on at Carolina has been loaded with talent, but as I have gotten older, the guys in my class and I have gelled more as a unit, with less emphasis on individuality, and I think that is reflected in where we are today.

THB.com: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Our main goal is to get better every time we step on the field. As long as we bring that kind of attitude, the wins and accolades will come.

THB.com: The team exited the NCAA tournament after the second round your sophomore season and failed to make the tournament last season, what characteristics does this team have that will help it go further into the postseason this year?
MC: Everyone on this team is totally focused on one goal: getting better at everything we do. No one cares who gets the glory and every day is devoted to teamwork and selflessness and no opponent is overlooked.

THB.com: As a captain and as a senior, how do you lead the team?
MC: First and foremost I try to set an example that the rest of the team can follow. All of our seniors have done an outstanding job of that all year. I would still like to improve on my ability to correct problems during the run of play.

THB.com: What are your plans for after graduation?
MC: I'm not really sure yet. If I get the chance, I would love to play professionally but that still remains to be seen.

THB.com: Wake Forest comes to Fetzer Field for senior night with the best goal against average in the ACC and an undefeated record. What does the team have to do to win this game?
MC: Play our game. We know that we are just as talented as Wake Forest, and if every one brings the right mentality to the game, then we will be an extremely tough team to beat.

THB.com: What will a win against Wake Forest mean to you and this team?
MC: It will mean that we are doing a lot of things right. Wake Forest is a very talented and organized team. Beating them will show that we are heading in the right direction.

THB.com: What does senior night mean to you?
MC: It will be nice to have all of our families here showing their support. I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful family who has been behind me the whole way.