March 22, 2010

FAIRFAX, Va. - Axel Levry, a former member of the U.S. U-17 Youth National Team, burst upon the scene as a freshman at George Mason, earning CAA All-Rookie Team honors after starting 22 matches with three goals and two assists. Levry's scintillating play at the wide midfield position was a major reason the Patriots won the CAA Championship in 2008 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Men's Soccer Championships. Levry currently plays for Energie Cottbus U-23 of the German Bundesliga and took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for GoMason.com.

GoMason.com: Why did you select George Mason over some Big East and ACC schools?
Levry: I selected George Mason because of coach Greg Andrulis and the value he brought to the program and his experience as a former MLS head coach. Many ACC schools had programs that were already established and successful. I wanted to be part of an up-and-coming program. I wanted to be part of something great. I think we accomplished that by winning the CAA Championship and being in the top 20 in the country while beating the Ivy League Champions, the University of Pennsylvania, in the first round of the NCAA tourney.

GoMason.com: What was your experience like at Mason as a student-athlete?
Levry: Coming to Mason, I was really nervous about meeting the people and the academic requirements. Within a week, I felt right at home because the people welcomed me with open arms. The academic advisor, Mr. George Reese, was great with making sure I had everything in order to excel academically.

GoMason.com: How did George Mason prepare you for the next step of your life?
Levry: The coaching staff provided me with the support that I needed to improve on and off the field. Coach Nick Carlin-Voigt always taught me to be at my best all the time, to be professional about my habits and always strive to improve my game. Coach Greg taught me how to act as a footballer and become a better person off the field. He was great with the moral side of things; teaching me lessons along the way. He was like a father figure to me. Overall, George Mason taught me to go after my dreams with confidence.