Rattler Spotlight: Adam Villanueva

Adam Villanueva and the Rattlers will play their final two home games of the season this weekend at St. Mary's University Soccer Field.

SAN ANTONIO—This weekend will be special for Adam Villanueva and the St. Mary’s University Rattlers. For the Rattlers, it’s the end of the 2009 season. For Villanueva, it’s the end of his Rattler career Sunday when St. Mary’s hosts St. Edward’s University at St. Mary’s University Soccer Field at 1 p.m.

Villanueva (Sr., DeSoto) joined the Rattlers for the 2008 season after transferring from West Texas A&M University. Since his arrival in San Antonio, he quickly established himself as a team leader and catalyst both offensively and defensively. Last season he ranked among the team’s leaders in scoring with three goals and three assists. For his play, he was named All-Heartland Conference. Though his goal-scoring numbers are down this season, Villanueva has been no less important this season. He has played in all 16 games, scoring one goal and assisting on another.

Recently Villanueva talked about his time at St. Mary’s, things that are important in his life and what’s next for him.

Q: When do you graduate?
A: December 2010

Q: What is your major?
A: I am majoring in finance.

Q: What do you plan on doing after graduation?
A: I want to go to grad school at the University of Texas and maybe coach soccer later on in my life.

Q: What has been the most difficult thing you have had to overcome?
A: I had to have surgery on both of my knees last year. This was my last year to try to do my best, so I wanted to get that done.

Q: What will you miss most about St. Mary's University after you graduate?
A: The community, especially in athletics, because everyone is so close, it feels like a family.

Q: What motivates you to succeed?
A: My family motivates me, and being able to play for something, not just for fun.

Q: What do you do in your spare time outside of school and soccer?
A: There is no life outside of school and soccer, but whenever we do have time, we do the usual stuff like watch movies and play a lot of FIFA on Xbox.

Q: Does your family come down to see your games?
A: Yes. My mom comes down to see most all of my games. She even went to my games in Colorado and Kansas.

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
A: A team prayer before the game starts. I also carry around a picture of my grandpa before every game.

Q: Who are your role models in soccer?
A:I have had good coaches throughout the years that have motivated me to keep doing my best.

Q: Do you play any other sports?
A:I like playing volleyball outside of school, and of course, soccer.

Q: What can you take from your soccer life and incorporate into your everyday life?
A:Hard work, leadership and dedication.

Q: Has playing soccer made you a better person?
A:Definitely. You take your hard work and apply it to real life. I hate losing more than I love winning.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
A: I got really good advice from my Grandpa, “Always conduct yourself with integrity and don’t be someone that you are not.”