Welcome to Saturday Spotlight, where we dive into the lives of Ohio State student-athletes and learn more about their journeys to Columbus, their love of the Buckeye traditions and who they are as competitors and students.
Parker Siegfried is Ohio State soccer's goalkeeper. A redshirt junior-to-be, Siegfried went six straight games without allowing a goal this season, a school record. He was also named Academic All-Big Ten for the second time, and helped Ohio State upset No. 8 Michigan State in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.
We sat down with him to learn about his professional ambitions, his favorite eatery, and much more.
You've played with the Columbus Crew academy team since you were 14. What has that been like?
Parker Siegfried: The Crew academy is the team you play for before you come to Ohio State. I had a great experience there. really professional environment with the best players around Ohio. It was awesome getting involved with the team a little bit. you play across the country with the best players and its like the highest level of soccer. I loved the crew before I started playing for them and it was a dream come true.
What is it like to redshirt?
For some players its a really good thing. My freshman year, Chris Froschauer was playing in goal which was great because I got to learn the game from him. You get to grow as a player and at the same time learn what college is like academically. Freshman year was my hardest academically because I didn't really know what its about. It's good to not be pressured on the field the same year while you're getting used to everything.
What drew you to Ohio State outside of soccer?
PS: I was born in Indiana but grown up in Central Ohio in Granville. I've been a Buckeye fan since I can remember. Before I left for school freshman year we were going through old journals like when I was in third grade. One question that was asked was "what do you want to do?" and my answer was "I want to play soccer for Ohio State." It was always what I wanted to do. I've loved the school since forever. It was my dream school and i am so lucky to be able to play here.
What is your proudest soccer moment?
PS: Being involved with the youth national team was really cool. I played for the U14 U15 and U16. It was an incredible experience to get called in for those camps and wear the national team badge. At Ohio State, being a part of the team has just been awesome. We've had huge wins, like last fall when we beat Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament. That was the best feeling, to beat a top 10 team at their place in a tough game. I would say that was so far the best memory as an Ohio State soccer player.
What do you like to do when you are not playing soccer?
PS: I'm a big Fortnite guy. That's what the majority of my day is when im not playing soccer. I love rock climbing and skiing. Those are two of the things I love to do that are real things when I'm not playing soccer.
What is your favorite meal you have had while in Columbus?
PS: Real place to eat would probably be Ethyl and Tank. They have great food. I love Woody's in the union. I go there twice a week maybe three times a week. It's great.
What is something about you that we wouldn't believe?
PS: I try and play the ukelele, but I'm not very good at it. I try, though.
What is your favorite Ohio State tradition?
PS: Singing Carmen after home games, with the fans that are at the game for sure.
What are you studying? What has been your favorite class so far at Ohio State?
PS: It's called EEDS. Its kind of like environmental business. I take a lot of classes in Fisher and in the environmental school. Its been an awesome program. I really enjoyed ENR 3500 with Dr. Campbell. It was like "community development" and has been my favorite class so far. You have to make a community and decide things for it, kind of like playing a video game. It was really interactive and fun.
