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 Ryan Roberts from the class of 2013.
What have you been up to since graduating from Dominican?
After graduating from Dominican, I started my career at McGladrey, now RSM, where I put my accounting degree to use in financial consulting. After nearly six years working with banks and financial institutions on regulatory and compliance matters, I developed an interest in software and technology and pivoted into software sales. I joined DocuSign in 2020 and recently moved to Ironclad, where I help large enterprises improve their contracting processes. Outside of work, I've been fortunate to travel both domestically and internationally, remain close with many of my Dominican teammates who are now lifelong friends, and still like to lace them up in men's league during the week on the north side of the city. I live in Chicago with my wife and son.
What do you miss most about Dominican?
Daily life as a student athlete. It wasn't always easy and it's certainly a grind, but looking back, it was such a fun time in my life. Taking care of business in the classroom and then getting to spend most of my time outside of the classroom playing the sport I love with my best friends was an incredible experience. The size of the University made playing for the soccer team more fun, because our classmates, professors and staff were so supportive. Classes were more interesting because the class sizes were smaller, and I developed great relationships with professors and classmates. Closeness to the city of Chicago offered fun things to do that were easily accessible. All of these characteristics made for a great experience and the experience is what I miss most.
What was your most memorable moment while at Dominican?
Our NCAA Final Four run in 2009. One of the best experiences of my life. We worked so hard as a team and the year was full of memorable moments that culminated in a deep playoff run to the Final Four. We had such a close knit group of guys that were incredibly talented on the field, and really good friends off of it. I still keep in touch with most of the guys on that team and it will always be something that we reminisce about.
What advice would you give to an incoming player?
Fully commit to your role as a student athlete. These will be the best 4 years of your life, and they will fly by. You get to primarily focus on two things for the next four years: playing soccer and studying something you are interested in. It is such an incredible opportunity. It's easy to get caught up in the routine you have been living, which has probably been playing soccer and going to high school classes. This is the last stretch of that part of your life and the first time you will establish your independence - make the most of it! Get yourself in the best shape you have ever been in. Study hard to set yourself up for success after DU. Get used to doing hard things. Enjoy yourself and don't waste this time. Be a person that hates to lose and loves winning. You will have success and love playing for DU!
