In an article posted by The Quinnipiac Chronicle, Shaka Hislop talks about Freddy Hall
Just four years ago at the FIFA World Cup in Germany, one of the members of the Quinnipiac men’s soccer coaching staff had the privilege to participate in one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events. This season he volunteered to be the goalies’ coach and trained one man who has a world of potential.
Neil Shaka Hislop was brought on board the Quinnipiac’s coaching staff at the beginning of the 2009 soccer season as a volunteer assistant to head coach Eric DaCosta. But before he arrived at Quinnipiac, he went through a career that many soccer players can only dream about.
At Quinnipiac, Hislop also knew that he would meet one of the most talented goalkeepers in the nation. Even before volunteering for the Quinnipiac soccer team, the former World Cup goalie had heard of Freddy Hall, Quinnipiac’s senior first-team all-NEC goalie, and knew of the potential and promise he had shown. He was very excited to help Hall, especially because he saw some similarities between the two them.
“Hall reminds me a lot of myself at the same age,” Hislop said. “He’s a far more talented goalkeeper than I was at that age.”
Hall’s coach agrees, and thinks that having Hislop around gave the Bermuda native a model to follow.
“If you look at the two of them, Hall is on the exact same path that Shaka was on,” Da Costa said. “Shaka came from a different country, played at the Division I level, both had standout careers, and they’re both from islands. Shaka at his point in college was also one of the top goalkeepers in the country, and now Hall can look at Shaka as a guy who’s taken the same path.”
Hall is planning on pursuing his soccer career after graduation, but for now he is staying humble and is having a hard time finding any similarities between him and a national hero.
“Similarity-wise, we’re both from islands, but that’s about it,” Hall said. “I haven’t done nearly as much as he’s done. He’s gone professional, so I can’t really see any similarities between us.”
Right now Hall says the goal is to go play abroad after the graduation. He said a few teams in England are interested, and that’s in large part due to Hislop’s help.
“He’s had a big role in it,” Hall said. “When they hear the name Shaka over there it carries a lot. He’s played a huge role in helping me find teams are interested.”
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