University of Illinois Springfield Athletics

GETTING TO KNOW Daniel Kemp

"Dan Kemp is a fantastic person, hard worker, and great soccer player. He is always a focal point of a team, whether it is his upbeat attitude that brings a smile to your face or it is his desire to win and work hard - no matter what. Even though he had a tough year battling injuries, he still came to practice every day encouraging his team to become better players and people." - Men's Soccer Assistant Coach Tucker Mathieson

-Why did you choose UIS: I chose UIS so I could carry on playing soccer at a good level and receive a well-respected degree.
- How did you get your start in soccer: I started playing for my local club team, Erdington Star, when I was about 8, thanks to my dad who would always take me places.
- Why do you continue to play soccer: I continued as it was a great opportunity to come out to the US and play soccer. but also because everyone always told me  when I was growing up that it was there biggest regret that they stopped playing football after school finished.
- Any pre-game rituals: I always go to the athletic training room before games to see Nick, he always gets me feeling right.
- What events do you participate in on campus other than athletics: I am an intramural basketball legend for my team the Leroy’s and also attend Pastor Johns Christian Student Athlete meetings, while also working at Brookens library .
- Career goals:I am still trying to figure out what I would like to pursue for work.
- What do you want people to know that they may not know already: I used to run track at national level while in high school.