Heydari is a junior nursing major who finished her freshman year at Mississippi State University, her sophomore year at the
University of Memphis and finally transferred to Union for her junior season. The Jackson native explained, “[Union] has a really good nursing program. It’s nice to be local and home again and seeing familiar faces. It just felt right.”
Heydari is a forward on the women’s soccer team. She started in recreational soccer when she was seven or eight and grew to love the unity and teamwork that the sport promotes.
“I like how it is a team sport. Some people don’t like the individual pressure, but I like having to rely on someone. You can’t do anything without your team and I think that’s what is so neat about it,” said Heydari. “There is 11 players on the field and each of you have to work together.”
Heydari pledged Chio Omega this semester and is looking forward to being an initiated sister of her sorority. In the meantime, she enjoys her time on the soccer team.
“It’s tough juggling being an athlete and a student, but it is also rewarding. It’s a one of a kind experience,” said Heydari.
Jon Pope
An avid Kentucky basketball fan now residing in “Jarmania,” Jarmin is one of the buildings that on campus freshmen students live in, Pope is am undecided freshman on the men’s soccer team.
Pope has been playing soccer about as long as he can remember. He was on his middle school and high school teams but he
“Playing club took time on the weekends and I didn’t want to miss church for it, so many colleges didn’t really know about me,” said Pope.
He first heard about Union from missionary friends.
“At the time I was in middle school, so I wasn’t really thinking about college,” Pope added.
However his interested was aroused when he started receiving mail from the school. On his second visit to Union he talked to the soccer coach, Clovis Simas. By the time he made the team, he knew that Union was the right choice.
“Everything just kind of fell into place and I felt like this is where God was calling me,” said Pope.
So far, Union has exceeded is expectations.
“I’ve made new friends and am still making friends every single day. On the soccer field, I am getting better as an individual player and I’ve learned about what it takes to put together a good team,” said Pope.
One of Pope’s favorite activities has been the Union Cup events on campus. “It’s a great way to connect with people who live in your dorm. It’s not just a group of guys you live with, but grow with too.”
Playing on both the junior varsity and varsity team this year has given Pope different perspectives.
“I’ve seen both frustration and success this year. Through that I was reminded that hard work pays off; talent in the end can only get you so far. That should be one of my main goals, if I work hard before anything else, that will really be rewarding,” said Pope.
