Senior Spotlight: Elie Kisoka 

  Senior men’s soccer player Elie Kisoka has hopes to go out with a bang for his last year at UMKC. Here, Kisoka talks about the start of his senior season, reflects on his journey with the Roos and his plans for when he graduates.

• So, you guys have a 4-1-4 record halfway into the season. How would you say the season is going so far?

I think the season is going very well. We have a very tough schedule with some games against some ranked teams, and we are still very hard to beat. I think if we keep playing like this, we will be ready for the conference games.  

• What are some things that have gone well? What are some things that you guys have struggled with?

I think one aspect that has been good is our defense. Last season, we saw a lot of goals to our expense, but this season, we haven’t seen a lot of goals go in for our opponents. I think our defense is what we are succeeding in the most. However, on the flip side, we have slightly struggled with scoring goals on our end. We are improving on that, and I think we’ll be fine come conference play. 

• What is your favorite memory so far here at UMKC?

My favorite memory so far is the final conference game against Denver last season. I scored a goal with 15 seconds left, and the moment was just so crazy to experience. They were ranked number four in the country at the time, and the fact that we were able to beat them was great. I have a lot of other great memories, but the game against Denver is definitely my favorite. 

• What is your message for all of the freshmen here or coming here?

When I came here, I was very ambitious. So my message would be to come here with ambition. Ambition will bring you expectations from your coaches and teammates, so use that to get better. Also, I would tell the freshman to work hard, be a good teammate and focus on your actual school work so you can get your degree.

• What are your thoughts on the coaching staff and how have they helped you throughout your journey here at UMKC?

I think they are proud of me. They believed in me when I came last year, and I think that is part of the reason why I’ve had success here. They have done a lot for me as far as giving me advice on and off the field. I am glad I was able to share my journey with them, and I think they are glad, too. 

• What are your plans for after college?

I don’t know where I will be in five months, but I would love to continue my soccer career. Whether it is playing professionally here, or back in France, I want to keep playing because it is what I love the most. I would also like to get more into business because that is what I am trying to get my degree in.  

• What are your personal goals for your last year at UMKC?

My goal is to be one of the best players on the team. I suffered an injury early this season, but I took my time to come back, so I am still trying to achieve that goal. 

• What is your goal for the season?

Last year, we won the conference tournament. So, I expect us to do that again this year and make the NCAA Tournament again. 

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