We had the pleasure of speaking with AJ Nelson, a sophomore on the mens's soccer team here at SUNY Brockport. Nelson played one season at FLCC before transferring to Brockport where he immediately made an impact. During his first season with the Golden Eagles he had an impressive 31 saves allowing only seven goals in the 2025 season. Nelson was named the Empire 8 Goalie of the Year, the ECAC defensive player of the year, as well as not one, but two Empire 8 defensive player of the week honors. He also earned First Team All-Conference, E8 All-Tournament Team, and Fourth Team All-Region. We asked Nelson a series of questions to get an insight on topics like Team Culture, how he Balances being a Student-Athlete, and several others.

Below you will find the interview we conducted with AJ Nelson for a new development in progress: an Alumni Newsletter. 

Personal Introduction

Can you introduce yourself—your name, major, hometown, and what year you are on
the team?
"My name is AJ Nelson, and I am a Physical Education major from Fairport. I am
currently going into my second year on the team. I transferred from Finger Lakes
community college after one semester, playing one season at FLCC."

What made you choose SUNY Brockport, and what do you love most about being part
of this program?
"I went with SUNY Brockport and this men's soccer program for many reasons. I chose
Brockport because it felt like the perfect balance of academics, athletics and community.
It was the perfect size campus for me. I love this program. I felt like after a couple
weeks after I transferred in and joined this squad for spring ball I had been with them for
years. The Culture is special, something you really don't see much. We commonly
would say it takes all of us for each win and that was really true with this team every
single person is brought in towards one common goal."

Team Culture

How would you describe your team's culture?
"The team culture is special, built on tradition, hard work positivity and trust in each and
every single guy. Never felt like one person was bigger than the team from freshman to
coaches."

What makes being part of this group special?
"Being apart is special because we have each other's backs at all times no matter what
someone is going through on or off the field we have your back. It's a real brotherhood.

What has been your most memorable moment as a Golden Eagle —on or off the field?
There were a lot of memorable moments this season, but one that stands out was when
our team had a cookout at Coach LaPietra's house just two weeks into the season. It
really showed how tight this group was and brought us even closer together."

Balancing It All

How do you balance academics, athletics, and your life outside of sports?
"It is a lot to balance, but there are so many resources in place to help you succeed. I
see it as a privilege to play and compete, and taking care of business in the classroom
always comes first. Planning ahead and staying on top of your work is key knowing
what's due and when helps you stay organized and ultimately be successful."

Leadership & Growth

In what ways have you grown as a student-athlete during your time at Brockport?
"I've grown in a lot of different ways. I'd say the biggest change is how much better I've
become at time management. College is a whole different ball game with long road
trips, year-round practices, and lifts. It's a lot, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I've
learned how important it is to advocate for yourself, whether you need help with
schoolwork or anything else. There are always resources available, and using them
makes a huge difference."

Behind-the-Scenes Look

What's something fans or alumni might be surprised to learn about your team's routines,
traditions, or preparation?
"Every game, we had a ritual in the locker room where we'd play Hell's Bells as we were
heading out. It became our team's song and really fired us up. We also had a game ball
that after every win, we would dedicate to the 'man of the match' who would then sign it.
It was a great way to celebrate individual efforts while bringing the team together."

Looking Ahead

What are your goals for the rest of the year academically, athletically, or personally?
"My personal goals for the rest of the year are to finish strong academically. Get back to
work for next year's season. We have winter sessions and practices that I can't wait for
and ultimately win the conference championship next year and that starts now."

Message to Alumni

What would you like to share with Brockport alumni who continue to support Golden
Eagle Athletics?
"This program is built by players like you, and we truly value the tradition you created
while always looking to grow it. We love when alumni come to games and take the time
to connect with us it means a lot to the team."