FC Wisconsin.com's ‘Where Are They Now’ feature, will regularly provide FC Wisconsin club members with an opportunity to catch up with former players. In this first installment,  FC Wisconsin interviews current Notre Dame Standout and former USSDA player Patrick Hodan.

In 2012, as a true freshman Patrick made an immediate impact. He played in each of the team's 22 games and started 2. Along the way he tallied 17 points, scoring 6 goals and providing 5 assists, which helped Notre Dame advance to the third round of the NCAA Tournament where they unfortunately suffered an over-time 1-2 loss to the eventual National Championship winning Indiana Hoosiers side.  Patrick's effforts both on the field and off the field earned him recognition as he earned both BIG EAST All-Rookie Team as well as BIG EAST Academic - All Star honors.

Interview: 

Q. Firstly Patrick, congratulations on your first year at Notre Dame and all the accolades’ that you earned. In terms of the season what were the highlights that stood out for you?

H. Thanks. For me, the biggest highlight of last year was coming back to beat Georgetown in OT to win the Big East Tournament.

Q. Looking back on your first year as a collegiate player what were the major differences coming from Club and High School.

H. There are some major differences between college soccer and club and high school soccer. The speed of play is much faster at the collegiate level. It is also more physical. Finally, the training environment and overall professionalism demanded from you is more significant.

Q. How did playing club soccer and in the USSDA help prepare you for the College game?

H. The Academy (USSDA) was very important in preparing me for the college game. The Academy allowed me to play with and against some of the best players in the country. The Academy also allowed me to train with older players and improve my ball skills so that I could be better prepared for the college game. In terms of my overall development, the Academy helped me improve my speed of play and make faster decisions on the ball against far better opposition.

Q. What do you think is important to help players get the opportunity to get recruited by top Universities?

H. Playing in the US Soccer Academy, as well as the NPL, provides players the best opportunity to get recruited by top universities since the coaches from the top Universities attend the games.  The Academy and NPL brings together the best players in the country, so the competition is extremely high.

Q. You played on a very successful High School Team. What did you find we're the major differences from playing High School and the Academy?

H. The Academy is much more competitive than high school soccer. In addition, the speed of play is much faster in the Academy since you are playing with and against the best players in every game.

Q. What are your goals for this season, now that you are an established upperclassmen?

H. The goal for this year is to hopefully win the NCAA National Championship!!

We wish Patrick and Notre Dame the best of luck for the rest of the season.