Sotiri Athanasopoulos ’18 first discovered Geneseo while playing for the Bay State Breakers, a junior hockey team in Boston.
“I am from Quebec, so I used hockey as an outlet to get exposure to American colleges,” he said.
The close-knit Geneseo community, along with a “strong mix of academics and sports,” attracted him here. “I did my research,” he said. “It isn’t just the students. The town is just as involved in hockey.”
The Ice Knights serve as informal mentors to local youth who are part of the Junior Knights, helping them to improve their game and reach their own goals. “It is more than a game,” said Athanasopoulos. “It is a family atmosphere that everyone embodies.”
As an Ice Knight, Athanasopoulos has been able to practice leadership. As captain, he has built up his fellow Ice Knights during times of challenge and strategically guide the team towards the future. Victory, he believes, is a team effort.
“We have to work hard at the same intensity, always,” said Athanasopoulos, “but just because I am the captain doesn’t mean I can’t lean on others.”
A communication major and French minor, Athanasopoulos is fluent in three languages — English, French and Greek — and brings a passion for culture into his courses because of his Canadian heritage. He also mentors and tutors other students so they can grow as language learners in a global environment. The rigor of Geneseo’s French program was an unexpected boon for Athanasopoulos.
“Even with my familiarity with the language, Professor of French and Western Humanities Beverly Evans really challenged me. She improved my French,” he said. He credits her passion and preparation for really adding to his growth and development as a student.
“Sotiri has shown himself to be the consummate scholar-athlete, who brought considerable cultural diversity with his intelligence, humility, maturity and outstanding sense of humor,” said Evans.
After graduation, Athanasopoulos hopes to coach hockey, particularly young players, and is planning to remain in the United States.
“I loved my time in America and in Geneseo,” he said. “I hope to continue to grow as a leader, coach, and mentor to others by using what I learned here during my four incredible years.”
— By Kitrick McCoy '19