SAN JOSE, Calif. - We sat down with Earthquakes Academy product JT Marcinkowski, now a freshman at Georgetown University, to talk about his standout freshman season, his transition to playing on the east coast, what advice he would give to young players, and more.
sjearthquakes.com:
You’ve had an outstanding freshman year so far at Georgetown. You were recently named BIG EAST Freshman of the Year, First Team ALL-BIG EAST and selected to the All-Freshman Team. Not a bad way to start you college career.
JT Marcinkowski: “It’s definitely an honor to be a part of the Big East First Team and to be named Freshman of the Year, but these awards are a reflection of my teammates. If it weren’t for my teammates, I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in today. In reality, the award reflects the team’s play, not only mine.”
SJEQ:Along with the accolades, you’ve posted a 0.44 GAA average, 19 saves and six shutouts. Talk about your feel for the collegiate game in your first season and how you’ve adapted so well so quickly.
JM: “I have to give credit to the Earthquakes academy for preparing me for the collegiate game. We would train almost everyday at a really high level. When I got here, my teammates took me under their wing and that really helped with my transition. The coaches were really supportive in everything I did. It was definitely a learning curve for me, but looking back on it, that really helped me learn from my mistakes and become a better player.”
SJEQ: When you play on the east coast, you’re not as likely to play against your former academy teammates. Do you guys still keep in touch with one another?
JM: “Me and a couple of my old teammates from back home actually have a group text going where we all check in on one another. If we see our names on social media, if there’s news about our college teams or just checking in on how our academy is doing, we always make sure to keep in touch. We’ve all gone through the same system and have experienced the same ups and downs, so to see everyone doing well at the next level is cool to see.”
SJEQ: Georgetown’s not only has a great soccer program, but it’s one of the top academic universities in the nation. How’s life been off the field and in the classroom?
JM: “I’m undeclared at the moment but I’m hoping to become a government major with a minor in psychology. I’ve already learned so much in my first semester here. It’s certainly a tough academic school and it becomes more challenging when you have to juggle everything throughout the week. When you take care of your studies, it directly correlates to your play on the field because you’re not stressed. In general, Georgetown is a great academic institution and I’m blessed to be here.”
SJEQ:
This past July you were just one of two goalkeepers called into the U-18 Men’s National Team for the NTC Invitational in Carson, Calif. Talk about that experience and your continued presence at the international level.
JM: “It’s always an honor to be called up to the national team. Not only does it help my ability on the field, but it also has helped me prepare for the rigors of traveling and playing different countries from around the world. I’ve played against some of the best competition in the world and it really humbles you. With the U18s especially, Javier Perez was an amazing coach. Now that I’ve moved up to the next cycle with the U20s, I only hope to get called into camp with Tab Ramos and prepare for the next U20 World Cup.”
SJEQ:What advice would you give to young players who aspire to play at the collegiate level?
JM: “My biggest advice would be to not take it for granted. Whether you’re playing for the Earthquakes or not, it’s easy to just go through the motions and expect something to happen. You need to make the most of every moment and really appreciate the relationships you make along the way. I would also say to thank your parents. They sacrificed a lot for you even if you don’t realize it in the moment. Now that I’m away from home, it really puts things into perspective. Whether it’s taking off work to make sure you get to your games, ensuring you’re not late or just driving you a long way to practice, they sacrifice a lot for you to make sure your dreams come true.”
