This post was written by Hatchet reporter Sean Hurd.
Former men’s soccer forward Seth Rudolph fulfilled a life long dream on Friday, signing a professional contract to play with Sandvikens IF, a member of the Swedish Football Association.
The recent GW graduate and Belleville, Ill. native, known for his clutch goals with the Colonials, signed with the Swedish ballclub following a week of tryouts.
“This is what I’ve always dreamed of doing since I was a kid,” Rudolph said in a press release. “I am extremely thankful to Sandvikens IF for the opportunity, and I’m excited to play.”
Rudolph, who served as the co-captain for the Colonials in 2012, finished the season with a team-high seven goals. Rudolph ended his GW career with 29 goals ranking him seventh all time in GW history. He also leaves GW with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science.
When Rudolph joined the GW men’s soccer team as a freshman in 2009, he quickly evolved into a reliant contributor for the squad. Rudolph earned Atlantic 10 awards three out of his four years, including the conference’s all-rookie team, second team all conference and first team all conference.
Sandvikens, which earned a promotion to Division 1 two years ago, is in the Swedish Football Association’s third-tier professional league. Their season runs from April to October.
GW head coach Craig Jones said though that it was not talent or accolades alone that got Rudolph the opportunity to play professionally.
“Having talent is never enough to become a pro player,” Jones said. “This opportunity has been solely driven by Seth and his determination and persistence to chase his dream. We couldn’t be more excited for him.”
