Cal Poly Men’s Soccer senior goalkeeper Simon Boehme has been a cornerstone for the Mustangs. The Denmark native is third in Cal Poly program history with a .771 save percentage and fifth in program history with a 1.33 goals against average. Mustang News spoke to Boehme leading up to the final match of his collegiate career.
Mustang News: Why did you decide to become a goalie?
Simon Boehme: Back in the day, I was the slowest guy on the team, so they threw me back there and it worked out so from then on I just play goalkeeper.
MN: What made you choose to come to Cal Poly?
SB: It’s paradise. It’s actually the only school I applied to. I knew once I was here, it was the place I wanted to be. Living in Denmark, you’re always dreaming of coming to California.
MN: How have you changed from your freshman year until now?
SB: I think I’ve matured a little bit and just become more responsible with my time. Especially what we tell the freshmen, just enjoy college while you can. These last few weeks of the season, every time you come to the training field, even if it’s early and you think it sucks, you just gotta enjoy it because you don’t know how much you have left of it.
MN: What advice have you given to younger players?
SB: My biggest advice to people is enjoy the moment. My shoulder injury last year made me realize that you have a limited time being a soccer player. Your body can only physically keep up for so long, so being able to come out here is a privilege.
MN: What have you learned throughout your time at Cal Poly?
SB: Keeping things simple and just doing your job. Control the controllables. That’s kind of how I take an approach in life too. Just take it day-by-day and do what you’re supposed to do and things will work out.
MN: What’s your favorite moment at Cal Poly?
SB: The [UC Santa Barbara] games, without a doubt. Being able to [win] this year as a player on the field was pretty cool as well, being lifted up by the crowd. It’s a feeling I don’t think you can get on any other college campus.
MN: What obstacles have you had to overcome?
SB: Being away from home. Just using the team as a support system. That was something you’ve got to get used to. My parents were living in Houston but all my friends were in Denmark. With the time difference, you can only talk to them at certain times. It’s hard at times, but it also makes you grow up faster.
MN: What’s your thought process throughout a match?
SB: Especially as a goalkeeper, you’re kind of lonely at times. In those moments you’ve got to keep yourself in the game by talking to your back line, telling them where to be. Just being on your toes but staying calm at all, balancing those two is important.
MN: What were your expectations for yourself as a freshman?
SB: I knew I was going to redshirt. My expectations the first year were to push [former goalkeeper Wade Hamilton], make him better and then learn from him. That’s the approach we took in every training- come out and learn something new, get better everyday and take your opportunity when it comes.
MN: Have you heard that you’ve been called the most attractive student athlete at Cal Poly?
SB: I don’t know if I’ve heard it, but it’s an honor if that’s what people think, I don’t know. It’s always fun when the crowd is yelling your name. We always appreciate the fans yelling and supporting us.
MN: Have you had people recognize you around campus?
SB: Yeah, when you go to training in your gear, there’s definitely people being like ‘oh, good game, that was awesome’ or ‘great save the other night.’ And that’s what makes it all worth it. It’s really cool to be on a campus where people are actually recognizing soccer.
MN: Since it’s your senior year, do you have any special thanks?
SB: Thanks to [Mustang News], first of all, for always covering the games. It’s cool to get that recognition. Obviously thanks to all the coaches and all my teammates. They’ve made me a better person and they’ve impacted my life in a way that I don’t think I can ever repay. This has been the experience of a lifetime for me, so it’s something I’ll remember forever.
MN: What is your plan for the future?
SB: The plan is to go pro, if I have the chance. It’s been a dream of mine ever since I was a little kid. I’ve been having two decent seasons now, it’s just a matter of consistently keeping that level up and hopefully that will give me an opportunity.