Q and A with UW-Milwaukee's Khaled El-Ahmad

Jan. 11, 2005

Coming to the United States from Uppsala, Sweden, El-Ahmad has earned a merit as a scholar-athlete for his academic achievements.  El-Ahmad not only speaks Swedish and English, but he speaks Arabic and Czech as well.  Horizonleague.org wondered about his experiences with the Panthers and obstacles he has overcome by coming to the U.S.

Q: How has college athletics affected your collegiate experience?

A:    There is no simple way to point out exactly how athletics affect college experiences because it is part of your life, day-in and day-out throughout your entire college career.  I can say that I cannot imagine going through college without athletics. The athletic part gives you special memories, very close friends and relationships.  It also enhances you as a student through discipline, hard work, dedication and goal-setting. You always need to be on track so that you do not fall behind.

Q: What experiences have you had the four years with the Panthers' soccer team?

A:    With UWM being successful there are so many experiences that stand out. One was in 2002 when we were No.8 in the NCAA and hosted the first round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time against Oakland University.  We finished 19-2-1 that season with a loss in the second round. Another was when we had our trip to Europe.  In 2004, we also broke records at UWM and were the Horizon League's most successful team.  Every league and tournament championship, and every NCAA Tournament game and all these experiences are memories and glimpses.  Overall, every year and season has been a great experience.

Q: What was it like as team captain?

A:    It was an honor to lead the most successful team in school and Horizon League history.  Looking at the past and being one of the many great captains is something I will have with me forever.  It is hard work to bring together your teammates, every player has his own problems and you try to be there for them.  You also have to regulate everyone's behavior, take responsibility for each one of your teammates, set up off-season practices, and be a link to coaches and fans. If you can lead a successful team through ups and downs you can lead any kind of group.

Q: What obstacles have you had playing soccer at UW-Milwaukee?

A:    My injuries are the only obstacles I had. Since I came here I have had a shoulder surgery, two knee surgeries, a stomach surgery and other injuries that stopped me from competing every day. I will never forget the feeling of missing the last four most important games at UWM this year. My senior year ended early because of a hamstring injury I got the day before our semifinal game against Wright State.

Q: What obstacles have you had coming to the United States?

A:    The most obvious is being without close friends and my family. There are no words to describe the feeling of missing birthdays, holidays and the family love. For every trip home they have grown and changed and you cannot be part of, it is something that will always trouble your mind.  Another obstacle is the view people have of Islam (my father is a Muslim).  I think it is wrong and it is very hard to see how people can build a stereotype and judge you after what they have heard or seen on TV.

Q: Which language was the easiest to learn and which one was the hardest?

A:    Looking back I have to say English was the easiest because I began learning at five-years-old.  Arabic was the hardest because the language is very different. You read from the opposite way.  There are also different characters and alphabet. Also, I only went to school for four years learning Arabic.

Q: What does earning an academic merit mean to you?

A:    Now when I am done, it means everything. The reason I came to the United States was so I could earn a degree to secure my future.  Some athletes are fortunate to go on and become professional athletes but what will one do when it is all over?  Without a degree and an education, you will not survive.

Q: What are your future plans with soccer?

A:    Of course, I want to become a professional soccer player. There is some interest from abroad and in Major League Soccer, but I have to wait and see due to my limited playing time.  Due to my injuries, I was in a hard position not playing in the NCAA games.  If it does not work out, I am going to give players in the U.S. a chance to play in Europe after their collegiate career.  I have several contacts with different clubs in Sweden, Czech Republic and England, and I can see myself being involved in the process of taking talented players abroad.  I think it is a shame that so many players have to end their career after college because there is no other opportunity other than MLS to play.  I can help and I am going to.  (If there are any interested players, contact me!!)