FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Former Nova Southeastern University men's soccer player and hall of famer Matthew Parry is one of the program's all-time greats, both on and off the field. He graduated in 2005 as the all-time leader in assists and was also the program's first All-American in the NCAA era. After his playing career ended, he served as an assistant coach for seven years, before helping lead the Davie United Soccer Club.

Parry took some time to answer a few questions for NSUSharks.com about his work with Davie United and being a member of the NSU Hall of Fame.

Since arriving at NSU 13 years ago, you've been a part of South Florida soccer in some way shape or form. How has this soccer community developed over the years?

The South Florida soccer community is a very small, tight knit group where everyone knows each other, so the faces haven't changed too much. With regards to changes, I would say the level of play in the youth clubs has improved over the years across the board and also the number of kids playing has increased, which is great to see. 

You've been instrumental in the growth of Davie United Soccer Club, along with fellow NSU Hall of Famer Christian Goffi. How has that experience been, and where do you see the program going from here?

I consider myself extremely lucky to have worked on this project with Christian and Leo Vega, who you may recognize from his TV show on ESPN Deportes each morning from its inception. We are entering our fifth year as a leadership group and our growth has been quite incredible over this time. We still have areas in which we can grow, however once we reach our capacity in terms of number of members we have a clear goal on improving the quality. Not only do we focus on the youth players' development on the field but we also have what we call our 360-degree program that focuses on the members academics and health, both physically and psychologically. We continue to strive to be better in all areas so we can keep growing and developing DUSC into one of the top youth soccer clubs in not just South Florida but the whole state and beyond.

NSU Hall of Fame Induction is right around the corner, with four new Sharks entering. As a member of the 2011 induction class, can you describe your induction experience?

I remember it being a very emotional evening for me. Coach DePalo, who inducted me, said some really great things about me which was very humbling and very much appreciated. I also remember how nervous I was to give my speech. I'm not a fan of public speaking but I think I got through it without too many mishaps, so in all it was a fantastic evening. I had the honor of being inducted alongside some incredible people who played a massive role in the growth of NSU athletics and NSU as a whole. The Hall of Fame induction is a wonderful event and one I always circle on my calendar each year.

Your former teammate Tom Gillette entered in 2012. What does it mean to have a teammate (and possibly a former player in the future) join you in the Hall of Fame?

Tommy Gillette was not just a regular teammate, he was like a brother to all of us who played at NSU during his career. Tommy is one of the most honest, humble people you can ever meet and I always enjoy seeing him whenever he is in town. We keep in touch regularly and he just had some wonderful news with the birth of his third child, so he has his hands full right now but we do have some future Sharks there in the making. 

It would certainly be fantastic to have more of my close friends inducted into the Hall of Fame with us in the future and I hope there will be many more soccer players joining to come, as that would mean we had some fantastic young men performing at a high level for our soccer program, which is what we all want.

Could you give any words of wisdom to the freshman class of 2015, reporting to campus in the coming weeks?

Come in prepared! Preseason is very short so you have to come in physically and mentally ready to go, but that applies to all the incoming athletes. The season will fly by in the blink of an eye so I would tell the athletes to enjoy every moment, soak it all and make the most of their opportunities because these really are the best years of your life. I'm really excited to see all our teams play this year and know that Coach DePalo and all the coaches in the athletic department are working hard and excited for a successful 2015/16 season.



Today, more than ever, it truly pays to be a part of the Nova Southeastern University family.  GEICO and NSU are working together to bring alumni, faculty and staff a special discount on GEICO car insurance.  Visit geico.com/alum/nova, call 1-800-368-2734, or visit your local GEICO office for your free no-obligation quote today.  In addition to car insurance, GEICO can help you find great rates on homeowners, renters, motorcycle insurance and more.

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Discount amount varies in some states. One group discount applicable per policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2015. © 2015 GEICO