Richard Bland Names Vandyke Gyau Athlete of the Week

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. – Richard Bland College freshman men's soccer standout Vandyke Gyau/Alexandria has been named the Athletics Department's Athlete of the Week for the period September 11-17.  The outstanding defensive stopper led the nationally-ranked and unbeaten Statesmen to a pair of shutout victories last week on the road at Cape Fear (N.C.) Community College (1-0) on Sept. 12 and Patrick Henry Community College (4-0) on Sept. 16.  Gyau also contributed an assist to the triumph against the in-state rival Patriots, and has started all eight matches for Richard Bland (8-0, 6-0 Region X) with three assists, second on the team, while anchoring a defense that has already posted five shutouts this season.  Vandyke was born and raised in Ghana, before moving to northern Virginia in 2014.

Please 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.  Gyau is the first selection for 2017-18.

Q: How does it feel to be named Richard Bland Athlete of the Week?
VG: It feels good and it is a great accomplishment for me.

Q: How did you get started in your sport and how long have you played?
VG: I have been playing soccer since I was a young boy.

Q: What do you like most about your team?
VG: I like how we work together as a team and live together as one family.

Q: Who is your funniest teammate/why?
VG: Davi (Davi Girardi) … I just like his personality, especially when he gets upset and starts talking in his native language (Portuguese).

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals/superstitions?
VG: I don't have any, but I do have God.

Q: What is your favorite place on campus/why?
VG: My dorm because I get to talk to my teammates and also meet new people.

Q: What is your favorite class/professor/why?
VG: Government with Dr. Adam Zucconi (Assistant Professor of History).  He really understands me and I enjoy his lectures.