Who is Jake Nerwinski?
We know that Vancouver Whitecaps FC selected him in the first round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. And we know that the 22-year-old right back signed his first pro contract today.
But who is he as a person? And what makes him tick? Get to know Nerwinski a little more below in the first installment of Q&A, a new series that brings you closer to the ‘Caps through wide-ranging interviews about life, soccer, and everything in between.
What photo on your phone means the most to you and why?
This just happened. It’s just a good picture of my family after I got drafted. They surprised me in Los Angeles so it was really cool to experience that with them.
What were your first impressions of the city of Vancouver?
It’s beautiful. It really is. I didn’t get to stay for long when I came for the Women’s World Cup. I just came for one U.S. game. I didn’t really get to explore the city that well. But driving through the last little while I got a good look of it, and it just looks unbelievable.
Who is your all-time favourite soccer player?
Sergio Ramos. He used to play right back so I kind of grew up trying to emulate him. Great player, good skills, strong, fast, and all that.
What’s the last thing you read?
I actually read the Alex Ferguson book. He’s a pretty amazing guy. I’m a big Man U fan so it was pretty cool learning what he was thinking and how he came to be.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
My dad always used to tell me rise to the occasion. No matter what. No matter the challenge there is, always rise up to it. That was kind of his catchphrase to me growing up.
What’s the favourite moment of your career so far?
Aside from getting drafted, probably my freshman year at UConn. We went into UCLA during the Sweet 16 and upset them. They were number one in the country at the time. We were down 2-0, and we came back to beat them in penalty kicks. It was pretty awesome.
Who are your heroes?
My dad and my grandpa. They’re two of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. They’re always there for me, have always supported me, and kind of got me to love soccer.
What do they do?
My dad is a lawyer and a judge. And my grandpa was actually the mayor of the town I lived in for 18 years. When my dad was growing up, my grandpa was the mayor.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Probably staying in on a Sunday and just watching Netflix all day.
What’s the last thing you searched for on Google?
Vancouver. I was just trying to learn a little bit about the city after I got drafted, just trying to brush up on it. Now I know it was named after George Vancouver!
What’s the most embarrassing song on your playlist?
Probably Baby by Justin Bieber.
When was the last time you cried?
Leaving my family before heading to Vancouver. Shed a little tear. Nothing crazy though!
What’s one thing about yourself that you want to improve?
Probably just staying focused really. I know with all this going on I have to make sure that I stay focused on my goal and to help the team.
If money was no object, what would you do in a day?
Fly to Fiji. It just seems like an unbelievable place and I like to explore, so I think it’d be a fun place to visit.
