UIC midfielder, Pavle Dundjer, takes time out for a Q&A session with the Horizon League

Nov. 1, 2005

Being from Belgrade, what was the biggest adjustment you had to make coming to the U.S. to play soccer?

The biggest adjustment I had to make was to learn how to live by myself, without my family and friends.

What was the deciding factor on why you chose UIC?

Former UIC coach Sasha Begovic is from my home country and I can say that he was the reason why I came to UIC.

What do you like best about being a part of UIC's soccer team?

[There is a] great atmosphere in the locker room, and the winning spirit that we have.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment throughout your collegiate career on the field and in the classroom?

On the field, the biggest accomplishment is definitely this year's record. In the classroom, it is my solid GPA last year (3.14).

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced thus far in your collegiate career?

The biggest challenge I have faced, besides great teams and players, was the different soccer style.

What do you like to do in your off-season?

After a little break I like to work out and work on my soccer skills and tricks, in order to improve my game as much as I can. And sure, I like to relax and go out more often with my friends.

With two years left in your collegiate soccer career, what would be some of the top goals you would like to accomplish?

I would like to go as far as possible in the NCAA tournament with my team and maybe try to earn some recognition as an individual.

What do you do, both individually and as a team to prepare right before a game?

We analyze each opponent. We are trying to find their strengths and weaknesses. But, no matter who we play, we concentrate on our team and the way we need to play in order to win.

What TV show would you most like to appear on and why?

I always loved Friends, but since they stopped shooting it, I would like to appear on Tonight Show with Jay Leno because I think that he is hilarious.

What is your best non-athletic talent?

I am good at geography and history.

If you were in the Olympics, in which sport would you go for the gold? (Besides soccer)

Table tennis.

If you had to choose one song to be your theme song, what would it be and why?

Besides some songs in my native language, definitely Eye of the Tiger from "Rocky," because whenever I hear that song, it makes me work harder and harder.

If you could get front row tickets to any concert, now or in the past, which would it be?

[I would go to] the concert that 50 Cent had in Chicago last year.

If you found a blank check signed by Donald Trump on the side of the road, how much would you write it for and what would you buy?

Two thousands dollars so I could buy a plane ticket and go home to see my family. And maybe one par of soccer shoes; I think he wouldn't mind.

If you could meet one person, who would it be? (past or present)

Nikola Tesla (scientist)

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

My father.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Rio, Brazil.

If you could change one thing about your sport, what would it be?

[I would have] more then 3 substitutions in the game.

What do you like to do on a rainy day?

Stay in the house and listen music.

What is one thing that people may not know about you?

I am a religious person.