The UC Irvine men's soccer team just clinched a spot in the Big West Tournament after defeating Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday 2-1 in double overtime. The 'Eaters sit at the top of the Big West with a conference record of 4-0-1. With only two league games left in the regular season they look to finish off strong and remain undefeated going into the Big West Tournament.

As the last season for senior defender Darren Hamilton starts to close in, he has one goal in mind and that is to bring the Big West title back to UC Irvine. Born in England and a recent transfer to UCI, he has been a great addition to the team and one of the many reasons for their great success this season. In this edition of our Q&A series, Hamilton talks about his upbringing in England, his decision to attend UC Irvine, and more.
 
Q: Tell us a little bit about where you grew up.

A: I grew up in a city in the north east of England - Newcastle. Newcastle will always be home to me. It is a city that lives and breathes soccer as I'm sure many will know from the movie Goal. As a child I used to love going to watch Newcastle United play, the city's only soccer team. However, as I got older other commitments occurred. Newcastle is a place that offers everything, nightlife, sports, nature, beaches and entertainment. 

Q: How old were you when you started playing soccer and at what age did you realize you wanted to pursue a collegiate career in the United States?

A: I started playing soccer when I was around 5 years old and pursuing a collegiate career in the U.S. was something that had never really crossed my mind. It wasn't until I was around the age of 18 when I decided to make the transition. 

Q: What was the hardest thing to get accustomed to moving to the States?

A: Getting accustomed was not that difficult for me. Obviously the time change affects your body for the first couple of weeks or so, but the culture was probably the hardest thing to adapt to. People interact differently, the food and drinks are different, and the fact your friends & family are not around is always tough. 

Q: What are the main similarities and differences you have experienced living in Orange County compared to England?

A: The biggest difference is certainly the weather. Also, Orange County is very much relaxed compared to living in the city.

Q: What is your favorite memory of playing soccer in your hometown?

A: My favorite memory of playing soccer in my hometown has to be winning league competitions or tournaments for club and school. 

Q: Being a transfer from Hartwick College, what made you want to come to UC Irvine?

A: I had many conversations with the UCI coaching staff, and that was something that definitely swayed me to pick UC Irvine. Having to transfer my senior year was certainly not ideal but UCI seemed a great fit from an academic and athletic standpoint. 

Q: Coming to a new team as a senior, how have you been able to adapt and find that chemistry with your new teammates on the field?

A: There were no great difficulties joining the team. Everyone made me feel welcome straight away and having three years of college experience also helped make the transition smooth. Chemistry on the field is something that has to come naturally, so the decision to transfer in the spring certainly gave me an edge when entering my first fall season for UCI. 

Q: What is your pregame routine that prepares you for game day?

A: My routine always starts with rehab before the game, stretching, foam rolling, etc. Hydration is always key throughout the day along with fueling your body well, this always differs depending on the time of the game. 

Q: Being in your first and last season as an Anteater what do you hope to accomplish?

A: Win the Big West Championship. 

Q: What are your career aspirations after you graduate from UC Irvine?

A: I want to play professional soccer in Europe.