Rhett Bernstein '09 was named Ivy League Player of the Week, as well as the Top Drawer Soccer Player of the Week and College Soccer News National Player of the Week for the week ending Sept. 28. Soccer America named him to the Men's Team of the Week for his three game-winning goals against URI, BC and UNC-Greensboro. The following week he scored yet another game-winning goal against Columbia to lift the Bears to their first Ivy win of the season. Bernstein's knack for finishing strong has made him The Herald's athlete of the week.
Herald: When did you start playing soccer and why did you start playing?
Bernstein: I started playing soccer when I was about 5 years old. I'd say the biggest reason why I began playing was because of my father. He is a very passionate soccer player and supporter and I'd admired his love for the game.
What made you choose Brown to play soccer?
I chose Brown based on its reputation for both academics and soccer. But, I really wanted to play for the Brown soccer team because I was extremely impressed on my recruiting visit with the camaraderie between the players. I have never been part of a team with such a great group of guys. It's a really unique feeling.
Who is your favorite European soccer team?
I love watching European soccer, especially the European Champions League. My favorite team, without question, is Manchester United.
Do you have any superstitions?
No, not really. Although, I used to wear a wristband every match. I try not to bother about superstitions now. I think they are just one more thing to worry about in preparation for a game.
How do you manage to keep scoring these game-winning goals?
I've been fortunate. I've been in the right place at the right time. But, I would still give a lot of credit to the guys who assist the goals. Their quality services and flip-throws have been the reason I've been scoring.
As a defensive player, how important is it that you are getting involved in the offense?
It's not my job to score goals. It's my job to prevent them. Any defender will tell you that. I don't care how many goals I score, none of them count unless we win!
What would you attribute to your success so far this season?
I worked hard in the offseason on building my strengths and improving my weaknesses. I came into preseason fitter than I've been in my four years, and I've started to see the benefits of it. The support from my family, my friends, my coaches and my teammates has had a tremendous effect on the way I've performed this year.
What are the expectations of the team after last weekend? Is the Ivy Championship a real possibility this year?
We expect ourselves to keep improving and building on the next game, one game at a time. The Ivy League Championship is our main objective at the moment. But, I believe this team has the ambition and drive to go somewhere else no one's been before. We've taken a few unsteady steps along the way, but it's only made us a stronger group of players.
What does the team need to do to keep winning games?
It comes down to how much we really want it. We have the talent, we have the players, we don't possess the passion. That's what it takes, on teams I've played on, to get to a whole new level. It'll come. Just wait.
Bernstein and the rest of the Brown squad are heading to Princeton, N.J., this Saturday to take on their Ivy rival, the Princeton Tigers. The Bears will look to prove their passion as they seek their second straight Ivy League win.
