Men's soccer and sports information will be taking advantage of the off-season months to catch up with some of our men's soccer alum to reflect on their experience at Dominican University (or Rosary College). Today we catch up with Scott Hanak from the class of 1998.
What have you been up to since graduating from Dominican (Rosary College)?
After graduation, I lived in Chicago for several years before moving back home to St. Louis, Missouri. I spent five years working in public accounting, earned my CPA license, and have now been with the Missouri Housing Development Commission for 23 years. In 2019, I was promoted to Director of Asset Management, where I lead a team of 40 responsible for monitoring the financial and physical health of more than 1,200 affordable housing developments across Missouri. Outside of work, I've enjoyed coaching and watching my son Will (20) and daughter Savannah (17) play sports—especially soccer. I also love traveling with my wife Michelle, spending time with family, and watching sports and movies. Although I no longer play soccer competitively, the game remains central to our family life. I played into my 40s with my brother Tim, coached youth soccer for nearly 15 years, and recently became a soccer referee for U.S. Soccer and the Missouri State High School Activities Association. The highlight of my week is attending St. Louis CITY SC MLS matches with Michelle, Will, and Savannah.
What do you miss most about Dominican (Rosary College)?
The built-in sense of community that campus provided. The relationships formed with teammates, friends, coaches, professors, and administrators are memories I will always cherish. I still fondly remember team road trips, residence hall shenanigans, campus events, intramurals, late-night card games, supporting classmates at athletic events, and playing darts on Madison Street. To this day, I make it a point to return to campus a couple of times each year to reconnect with teammates and friends, reminisce, and stay in touch.
What was your most memorable moment while at Dominican (Rosary College)?
I have two. First, having the opportunity to play college soccer alongside my brother Tim. Second, defeating archrival Judson College in the 1997 CCAC Conference Tournament final. It was a hard-fought, physical match played under the lights in front of a packed crowd of family, friends, and alumni. The on-field celebration with fans and alumni afterward was unforgettable. That victory marked Dominican University's first conference championship under Coach Baumann's leadership and served as a stepping-stone moment that helped set the standard for the program's continued success.
What advice would you give to an incoming player?
Take the time to learn about the storied soccer history at Dominican University. Remember, there are no names on the back of the jersey—you play for the name on the front and for your teammates. You will be remembered by the legacy you leave, so strive to leave the program better than you found it and be a good steward of the tradition built by those who came before you. Winning isn't easy. College soccer isn't easy. There will be ups and downs, internal competition, intense training, and sacrifices along the way. Through it all, play for one another, stick together, and understand that there is no substitute for hard work. Your college career will go by quickly, so enjoy every moment. Play every practice and every game as if it could be your last. The lessons you learn—discipline, accountability, handling adversity, and building character—will prepare you for life long after soccer ends.
