UIC forward Tonci Skroce takes time out for a Q&A with the Horizon League
Nov. 9, 2006
What is the best aspect of being a part of UIC's soccer team?
The best aspect of being a part of UIC's soccer team is friendship with 25 unbelievable people of different backgrounds and sharing this great season with them.
What do you do, both individually and as a team, to prepare right before you go out on the field?
Individually I try to think of something relaxing (like my home) which makes me less nervous. We are not a typical college soccer team and we like quietness more than "pump up music". Everybody is trying to find their own way of getting in the zone.
What is your most memorable moment as a UIC Flame?
The most memorable moment as UIC Flame was my final 12th deciding penalty kick against
Being from
Soccer here is more physical and there is much more running involved (sometimes too much), whereas back home it is more technical and tactical with more emphasis on ball possession and formation movement.
What are your future career plans?
I would like to continue playing soccer somewhere on higher professional level. US, Europe,
What is your favorite Coach Trask quote?
When talking to our midfielders about passing the ball to me: "Feed the Bear!"
What do you enjoy doing most in the off-season?
I like to play basketball.
Was your family able to watch you play in the Horizon League Championships as part of the Horizon League Network (HLN) coverage? If so, what did they think of the opportunity?
Yes, they were able to watch a couple of my games. It is a great opportunity for the people that live far away to see what college sports are about. They were extremely happy to have a chance to watch me play because they cannot afford the plane ticket to come here.
Do you have any superstitions?
Yes, I have my lucky cross that I carry with me every game. I usually kiss it before I shoot penalty kicks.
If you could compete in the Olympics in any sport other than soccer, what would it be?
Basketball, my dad has a gold Olympic medal from playing for the Yugoslavian National basketball team in
What's one television show you can't miss each week?
Seinfeld. I just cannot get enough of it.
What is your best non-athletic talent?
I am a very good cook.
What is the best/worst thing about living in
The best thing is the variety of night life entertainment, the worst is the traffic.
What is your favorite song?
2Pac featuring Nas "
Where in the world would you like to spend a week's vacation?
What is the one luxury item that you could not do without?
I cannot live without my phone! It is my right arm!
Who is the most impressive person you have ever met?
Two people, Jed Schenkier and Brodey Simkins.
What is your favorite food?
Shrimp scampi Mediterranean style (preferably made by my mom).
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
I would like to be able to read minds so I can finally figure out what goes around in women's heads.
Who is your favorite actor/actress?
Robert De Niro.
What is your dream job?
Playing soccer for Real Madrid.
If you could get front row tickets to any sporting event, now or in the past, which would it be?
Soccer World Cup Final 1998.
What is your favorite professional sports team to watch? Any specific team?
Soccer - Real
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas, because I get to see my family back home.
What would people find surprising about you?
Even though it is known that Croatians and Serbians hate each other, two of my roommates here are Serbians and I would do absolutely everything for these two people.
What would you do with a million dollars?
I would help my family and friends to have a better life.
What is the best advice you ever received?
"Life is far too important thing ever to talk serious about".
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is that this year will come to an end.
