Richard Bland Names Eduardo Pessoa Athlete of the Week

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. – Richard Bland College freshman men's soccer forward Eduardo Pessoa/Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has been named the Athletics Department's Athlete of the Week for the period September 20-26. He scored a second-half goal during a 2-0 road win at Wake Technical (N.C.) Community College on Sept. 22, and followed that effort with a first-half goal during a 1-1 home tie in double overtime against USC Salkehatchie on Sept. 25. Through 10 matches, Pessoa leads the Statesmen (5-4-1, 3-4-1 Region X) in scoring with a team-best seven goals for 14 points.

Please click on this link for Eduardo's full biography, and see below for a brief Q&A on his Athlete of the Week selection. Athletes of the Week are chosen by members of the Richard Bland Athletics Department.

Q: How does it feel to be named Richard Bland Athlete of the Week? 
EP: It is an amazing feeling. It shows that hard work really pays off.

Q: How did you get started in your sport and how long have you played?
EP: I started playing soccer because of my father and my brother. My father works with soccer and my brother used to play. I've played soccer for about 18 years, almost my whole life.

Q: What do you like most about your team?
EP: The hard work involved and everyone is very friendly.

Q: Who is your funniest teammate/why?
EP: Danny (Torres). He is always happy and laughing.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals/superstitions?
EP: Yes, I do ... I like to pray, and sometimes be by myself with my headphones on, concentrating on the game.

Q: What is your favorite place on campus/why?
EP: The Cafe, because all of our team meets there and eats together.

Q: What is your favorite class/professor/why?
EP: Public speaking with David Majewski (Professor of Speech & Theatre). He is a funny and intelligent professor, and he makes his classes more interesting and easier to learn in.