LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (August 28, 2008) -- To those on the Lincoln University of Pennsylvania's campus, Jerrell Hooker (Cunupia, Trinidad & Tobago/Presentation College) is simply known as “Piper.” This seems like the perfect name for someone as visible on campus.
“I'm really a character,” Hooker says jokingly. “If you know me, I'm a very humble person, I love to smile. I don't like to be the center of attention, but sometimes it just so happens that I am.”
For Hooker, it would be a difficult task not to be the center of attention. He is actively involved in the Lincoln University community. He puts his role as Vice President of the Student Government Association at the top of his list. Hooker is also a very active member of the Caribbean Students Association and a host of other activities, including being a key component to the men's soccer program.
Hooker's motivation for getting involved is pretty simple. He just loves his school.
“I love Lincoln,” explains Hooker. “I hold Lincoln true to my heart. I'm an ambassador for them. If I go to Giant, on campus, off campus, it does not matter where. I hold Lincoln in my heart.”
Hooker takes pride in his role as a student athlete knowing that student-athletes are held to a high standard on and off the athletic field. He relishes the chance to be a role model and represent Lincoln as he travels from school to school.
Ever since he began playing soccer at the age of 10 with his cousins in his home country of Cunupia, Trinidad and Tobago, Hooker has been hooked to the sport and has learned many lessons from soccer that have helped him in his off the field endeavors. He uses training for soccer as a correlation to preparing for the classroom.
“Soccer to me is ninety percent mental and ten percent physical,” Hooker said. “When you are in the classroom, you have to be mentally ready before you get to class. Study your work and focus. The physical aspect is doing your homework and going to the library, so soccer prepares me for that.”
After posting a 3-9 record last season, the Lincoln men's soccer team will hit the field fresh this afternoon, as they take a trip to two-time PSAC champion East Stroudsburg University (4:00 p.m.). Along with Hooker, 12 players return for the Lions. First year Coach Z. Joseph Jallah takes the leadership role this year. The familiar faces should help with their goal of team chemistry.
“Right now, we are working on unity,” says the 6-2 defender. “We're trying to cut out the individualaity. Basically, we are striving for excellence. With the team that we have, we could win everything.”
With Hooker feeling good about Jallah and players such as senior midfielder Theon Francis (Arima, Trinidad & Tobago/Queens Royal College), junior defender Jarek Harris (Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest), and sophomore forwards Joseph Forde (Siparia, Trinidad & Tobagho/Bensalem) and Seye Adejanye, the potential is great to have an exciting season.
To reach their ultimate goals, Hooker feels that he and his teammates may need to control their emotion so that it won't be a distraction on the field.
“One of our weaknesses, which could also be strength, is that we are passionate about the game,” Hooker said. “It has both effects on the field. You want to strive for excellence but a negative effect could be that you talk to someone the wrong way.”
It has been a tough three years mentally for Hooker after tearing his ACL and MCL in his freshman year. This off season, he worked diligently to get his knee back to one hundred percent. To get stronger, he did plenty of core work and running three times a day every day. He has to get on the field however and play a real game to gain full confidence in his body.
“I know I can play professionally,” says Hooker. I have the talent, but mentally I'm weak but with my team, we cover each other.”
If Hooker does not get the chance to play professional soccer, he plans to still be involved with the game of soccer; one in which he calls his passion. Going to graduate school and studying to become a sports agent or promoter are in his future.
That's the future for Jerrell Hooker (Cunupia, Trinidad & Tobago/Presentation College). Presently he has one final season, one that has the potential to be successful on the field as well as off it. When he leaves one thing is for sure. He won't forget where he came from.
“Lincoln is a small university and you get to know everybody from the janitor to the president,” as Hooker reflects. “Lincoln is family to me and I cherish that. I am proud that I attend Lincoln, I'll be back here (after I graduate in May). I'll give back to Lincoln as much as I can.”
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