Nov. 11, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Ryan Adeleye made his mark on the Carolina men's soccer program when he netted the game-winning goal in the Tar Heel's 1-0 overtime victory over Duke last season. Then a junior transfer from Davidson, Adeleye volleyed a loose ball into the goal off of a corner-kick scramble and sent the record-setting crowd into an uproar as the Tar Heels defeated the rival Blue Devils. This season Adeleye, a senior from Maplewood, N.J., is an essential piece of a Carolina defense that has posted four shutouts on the season. Adeleye took time to answer a few questions for TarHeelBlue.com after his last regular season game.

TarHeelBlue.com: Why did you transfer to UNC?
Ryan Adeleye: I transferred to UNC because I felt that it was the best place for me to develop and mature both academically and athletically.

THB.com: What is the team doing to bounce back from the hard-fought losses to Wake Forest and Maryland?
RA: The team is focusing on each and every game one at a time. We are reaching the time of the season where if you lose, you go home. This makes it rather simple to focus on each and every game as if it is our last.

THB.com: What is your favorite UNC soccer moment?
RA: I cannot choose simply one moment. I can say that my favorite UNC soccer moments are when the freshmen and first year players first put on the Carolina blue. If you ever get a chance to witness this, believe me it is special.

THB.com: Where is your favorite place to eat on Franklin Street?
RA: I enjoy eating at Cosmic Cantina. The ingredients are fresh and the food is authentic. It simply cannot be beat.

THB.com: What is the best thing about being a Tar Heel?
RA: The best thing about being a Tar Heel is the pride everyone displays. It is Carolina or nothing.

THB.com: When you're not play soccer, what do you enjoy doing?
RA: I enjoy reading and listening to music when I am not playing soccer. There is a lot to learn from they way different authors and musicians use words and music to display their talents and abilities

THB.com: As a senior, how do you lead this team?
RA: I lead the team by doing as much as I can and giving my very best effort in everything that I do. My position as a center back demands that I am vocal, however, I am vocal only when necessary. I believe in action and rather than trying to say too much. I like to let my game speak for itself.

THB.com: What is your favorite movie?
RA: That's a touch question. I really enjoy the movie Snatch directed by Guy Ritchie. I enjoy this movie for the intricate plot, the humor and the action.

THB.com: What is the best class you've taken at UNC? Why?
RA: The best class that I have taken up to this point was Sport Psychology. It was easily applicable to my life, and Professor Silva was a thought provoking and insightful professor.

THB.com: If you didn't play soccer at UNC, what sport would you want to play? Why?
RA: I would want to play tennis or golf. Those two sports you can play forever.

THB.com: What are your post-graduation plans?
RA: I play to spend a lot of time with my family and play professional soccer.