From Undergrad Student To Professional Player

By BROOKE RUDISILL

Graduate Support

 

Passion is a fire that lies dee inside all of us, constantly triggering the right amount of drive toward the ultimate sensation of happiness and pure bliss.

Some question this intense feeling because many uncertainties arise when following a preferred goal, but for Chris Hellmann, a recent Lynn graduate, the thought of making his dreams become a reality was something far from unusual to him.

Originally from Cologne, Germany, Hellmann spent his years growing up as a child surrounded by many driven individuals who showcased the idea that no dream is ever too far out of reach. At the age of three, Hellmann’s urge to kick a soccer ball into a netted goal, just five feet in front of him, quickly turned into firing 65-meter-game-winning-shots at the prestigious Bobby Campbell Stadium at the age of 23.

“I think it just comes at a certain point when you have a dream and you realize you’re good enough to actually make it happen,” said Hellmann. “My dad took me to soccer games when I was younger and my two grandparents were role models because they both played professionally.”

At the age of 18, Hellmann found himself in the exact position that he always dreamt of being in as a child. He was offered a break to play professionally for SV Sandhaussen. His innerchild screamed to take this opportunity at full force and finally make his dreams his new reality, but one emotion set that entire decision back.

“I had that feeling of hesitation and I shouldn’t have had that,” said Hellmann. “I wasn’ ready then and I have matured so much on and off of the field. I knew if I kept it up, I could make it again.”

Hellmann knew in his gut that even though his hops and dreams were standing right in front of him, putting them on hold for the next few years would not mean that this type of opportunity would never surface again.

Since the moment that Hellmann was stuck in a crossroad deciding which path to take, he went on to achieve many honors and awards. During his last season, he was honored as Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year, SSC Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All SSC recognition and selected to be on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America First Team.

It is no surprise that Hellmann has also become the fifth player in Lynn history to reach 100 career points.

All of these accomplishments would have never happened if Hellmann did not trust his instincts and made the decision to sign on to a professional soccer team at a time in his life where he did not feel ready. He knew in his heart that if he still pursued the game in the best scenario he felt fit, than his career would manifest itself out because at the end of the day, he was focusing on his own happiness.

“I don’t think there’s anything better than to make your hobby your job,” said Hellmann. “If you have a dream, which is not unrealistic, you just have to keep pushing yourself to be the best you can be. If you can do that, you can’t blame yourself for anything and sooner or later you will succeed.”

Every person has his or her own purpose on this planet. It is important to realize if someone has a dream or a goal to be the best person they wish to be, living in fear and not believing in oneself is a disservice to who they truly are. Dreams are not meant to be chased; they are meant to be rached, but in order to do that, one must fully believe that their happiness can truly take them to these places.

Hellmann’s decision to pursue his dreams in a different context has paid off. This past December he was drafted as a professional player by the Vancouver Whitecaps making his dream a reality. With his drive, determination and skill, there is no doubt Hellmann will go very far in the future.

 

Brooke Rudisill

Brooke Rudisill is a 21-year-old senior and publishing editor who is making one impulsive decision at a time. Aside from being severely bitten by the travel bug, she is finishing up her senior year majoring in multimedia journalism. Rudisill has also been published on Elite Daily, Huffington Post and Young Hollywood.

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