Coach: Titan soccer alum Fuderer wrapping up great career at DePaul

Five years ago, for a Glenview paper long since retired, I wrote a column about a young, fresh-faced Glenbrook South soccer player about to embark on his college experience and begin playing for the DePaul University soccer team.

It was a story of innocence, beginnings, youth, and excitement for the unknown.

Now, five years later, for ex-Glenbrook South Titan Jake Fuderer, the innocence has long since gone (at least some of it). The youth? Maybe not so much anymore. And those beginnings have now turned to endings as he gets ready to play his final home game for the Blue Demons.

Oh, and that young fresh face from five years ago? Let's just say it is a bit more mature now, and highlighted by some brown stubble on the bottom half of that face. Things change, and razor blades get some rest, I guess.

But Fuderer, who is bigger, stronger and more confident than when he first started, marches on in his final season.

As the announcer for the DePaul soccer games, I have been lucky enough to witness his development and remarkable career over the years.

Jake has been a starter literally from day one. His first game as a freshman was against the fifth-ranked team in the country, Kentucky, at right back, a position he had never played before in his many years of club soccer. So it was "welcome to the big time, kid." But Fuderer never complained; he took on the role, with that "baptism by fire" attitude and, over time, has developed into one of the Big East Conference's top defenders. Even while playing defense, he often triggers the Blue Demon offense and has been one of their leading scorers and assist makers over the years.

It has not been an easy road. He has played through injuries, some crushing defeats, some huge wins, moments of joy and, no doubt, moments of real disappointment.

But through it all, Fuderer has remained solid and steady, and gained the respect of his coaches and teammates. As a senior he was named team captain and also made the Big East All-Conference team.

In short, it has been a career that his high school and the town of Glenview can truly be proud of.

I sat down with the fifth year senior/grad student for a quick conversation to take in the full scope of his soon-to-be-completed five-year career.

Coach: It's been five years. What are some of your biggest take-aways from the experience?

Jake: Definitely some of the friendships and relationships with my teammates. These guys are going to be friends for life, and some of them may even be groomsmen when I get married. Also, the coaches. It was a little weird because I was recruited to come to DePaul by different coaches. They made a change, and the new coaches that came in the same year I did have been awesome. I have really enjoyed playing for Coach Plotkin, and Coach Bushue, and Coach Keever.

Coach: Biggest change in the program?

Jake: Definitely seeing the culture of the program change. Seeing how hard everyone has worked, how hard the team has trained, and our competitive desire. That all has really improved in the years I have been here.

Coach: Biggest win, best moment?

Jake: There have been many, but I would say, this year, beating UIC was a highlight for me. I know a lot of the guys on their team and, in my first four years, we had never beaten them. So winning this year was really sweet.

Coach: Personal improvement for you?

Jake: I would say it definitely was my defense. It was a position I was unfamiliar with in the beginning, so I played it kind of safe and conservative at first. Now I am much more confident, and not afraid to take chances offensively, especially on runs up the field.

Coach: Biggest disappointment or frustration?

Jake: Not making the Big East tournament. That has been a goal of mine since I came into the program, and we have not made it yet. I am hoping this year. We need to win our final two games.

Coach: Future plans?

Jake: I want to continue on in some capacity with soccer. I still love the game and have a passion for it, so I am going to pursue that route and give it everything I have. My first goal is to submit my name for the MLS draft in January. We will see if I get selected. I have had some agents talk to me, so that is goal No. 1. If not, I would like to play in the USL - the United States league - which is also a professional league.

Coach: Any thoughts of coaching in the future?

Jake: Definitely. I could see myself doing that for sure. Honestly, I just can't see myself right now leaving the game, so I plan to stay in soccer in some capacity.

Coach: Good, now get back to studying

Jake: Yes, sir; I'm on it. Plus my parents might read this article.

• Jon Cohn of Glenview is a coach, retired PE teacher, sports official and prep sports fan. To contact him with comments or story ideas, email jcsportsandtees@aol.com.