Meet the Mystics - Niko Nicoletopoulos
Meet Niko Nicoletopoulos, a first-year member of the men's soccer team.
November 13, 2024
Name: Niko Nicoletopoulos
Year of Eligibility: 1st
Home Town: Halifax
Major: Business Administration
How long have you been playing soccer?
Since I was 5.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I played Water Polo growing up.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life thus far?
The two people who have had the biggest impact on my life are my parents.
What is the most memorable moment in your career so far?
I think the soccer trips I have taken have to be the most memorable. Whether it's smaller trips on the bus with the Mystics or bigger trips to Boston or Costa Rica to play soccer. I will never forget these trips and the balance of having fun trips mixed with competitive soccer games is such a memorable thing.
Why did you come to the Mount?
I came to the mount for a few reasons, but mainly the balance of academics and athletics. Things like small class sizes made me excited about the academics and getting to play on the soccer team is a great opportunity for me to learn and grow both as a player and person.
Who is your biggest role model or inspiration in your sport?
I think a role model is more than just a good player, so I often look up to coaches who have influenced me or meant a lot to me. For example, I will always look up to coach Ioan for his passion for soccer and how he wants everyone to have a good time and enjoy playing soccer. There are so many little things that I try and bring into my own playing and coaching from so many different people.
What do you like to do for fun?
Obviously, things like hanging out with friends and family are always fun, but since I’m really busy, I also like just doing something relaxing like watching a movie or tv show.
Any pre-game superstitions/routines?
I’ve never really had any pre-game routines. I do like to make sure I'm always early for games because I think it's important to get mentally and physically ready before, and get some time to yourself before you play.
What is the biggest risk you have taken so far in your athletic career?
The biggest risk I took was changing clubs in youth soccer. This turned out to be super beneficial for me. Through the Dunbrack Soccer Club, I not only improved as a player but got to meet some incredible people like Coach Ioan, who coaches the Mystics. I also got the opportunity to coach and be really involved with the club.
What was the coolest experience you have had so far this year?
My first time in the starting lineup as a Mystic was a cool moment.
Do you have a personal mantra?
I would say my only personal mantra is just forward, I think it's important that no matter what happens you always move forward. It’s good to learn from the past but it never helps to get stuck on it. Especially in games, I always try and think about the next play not the one that just happened.
What’s your favourite quote?
“There are only two types of people in the world. Greeks and people who want to be Greek.” Always gives me a good laugh.
What animal can you most relate to and why?
Coach Ioan always talks to us about Jaguars, how they have a big heart but are also strong and powerful enough to defend themselves when they are being attacked.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring athletes in your sport?
To me, the most important advice is to always have fun. Especially for younger people getting into the sport, having fun should be the main priority. With the Mystics team, I think we started finding a lot more success on the field when we really just had fun playing together, so I think that’s really important.
FAST FACTS
Favourite food? Lamb chops.
If you could be any where in the world right now, where would you be? Greece.
Favourite movie? Interstellar.
What professional athlete would you compare yourself to? Vincent Kompany.
Coffee or tea? Hot chocolate.
Summer or winter? Summer
Movie night or game night? Movie night.