Each week during the Pacific Coast Soccer League season in the Capital News, freelance reporter Drew Pihlainen profiles a member of the 2012 Okanagan Challenge.
Today, Joel Malouf
Position: Defender (Centre-back)
Hometown: Kelowna
Age: 20
University team: SFU
Q: How did you get into soccer ?
A: I actually started when I was around three years old. My family loves soccer. It’s part of our culture. I just learned it from my parents, from my brothers, my siblings—everyone.
Q: Do you follow the sport at all ?
A: Absolutely. My favourite team is Manchester United. I also support the French National Team, ever since I watched World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000 when they won. My favourite player is Zinedine Zidane. Just watching him play drew me into the game.
Q: You said that soccer was a tradition in your family; What advice have you gotten from your family that has helped guide you ?
A: Well my dad’s my biggest fan, but he’s also my biggest critic. He took it very seriously, and he always tried to employ a hardworking attitude with me and to always try my best.
Q: Did you ever think about playing professionally ?
A: Absolutely—ever since I was younger, I always thought about playing pro. It’s kind of my dream.
Q: What is the next step on that dream ?
A: First I want to finish my college degree, and hopefully I get into a few combines (MLS scouting camps) and try to play in the MLS if I can.
Q: What team would you like to play for in MLS ?
A: Vancouver Whitecaps. I don’t like being far from home, that’s one of the reasons I went to SFU.
Q: Have you been to a Whitecaps game ?
A: Yeah, during the school year in Vancouver. I know a few guys on the team, too—we’ve played against them.
Q: Do you get in on the chanting at the games ?
A: You have to…I love to get into the chant. That’s how I get into the game and why I love the game.
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals ?
A: I usually like to get a prayer in before I go to the game, it just keeps me calm, keeps me focused, I listen to a lot of music—headphones in, so I can focus.
Q: What has been your soccer highlight as a fan ?
A: When France won the world cup. That’s pretty much my first soccer memory that I really remember vividly. And it’s always stuck with me. I always get motivation from that to try to play better, to get better, and hopefully I can be there one day. It’s a long shot, but hopefully I can get there.
