Published: Nov 1, 2010
Athletes from all over the world dream of one day donning their
nation's colors and representing their country against world-class
competition. However, this is not an easy feat by any means as the
limited numbers of spots in international play make this a rare and
honorable accomplishment.
Pascal Millien, former University of
Tampa standout, can now consider himself among the select few to wear
the native colors of blue and red as a member of the Haitian Senior
National Team.
The UT alumnus is coming off his first
professional season with FC Tampa Bay. While with FC Tampa Bay, Millien
saw a lot of action on the pitch, as he became one of seven USSF D-2
Professional League players to play in all 30 matches this season. In
recognition for his play, the FC Tampa Bay supporters selected Millien
as their most valuable player for the season at the conclusion of the
2010 campaign.
The FC Tampa Bay forward credits much of his
success to his time spent at The University of Tampa where he excelled.
Millien became the only back-to-back all-American in NCAA Division II
history. This was all accomplished with a little help along the way as
Millien described the coaching that he received from UT a "blessing,"
and credited the players he played alongside.
"The level of
competition in the Sunshine State Conference prepared me for the intense
level of professional play," added Millien.
The former
All-American certainly is not breaking stride. Upon completion of the
2010 season, he traveled to Brazil for the Haitian national team's
training camp. For Millien, traveling has been an incredible
opportunity.
"It's been a phenomenal experience so far. I've
never been to this part of the world before, but I've always wanted to
travel here, and to get a chance to train in one of the world's most
prolific soccer countries," Millien said.
With the tragic
earthquakes affecting Haiti last year, it is important for the nation to
come together and Millien can help do that.
"There is a lot of
heart on this team, especially after everything last winter, and I know
we will be successful," Millien said. "It's a great feeling to be
playing for my country and with such a talented group."
Millien
and his fellow Haitian national team members are busy preparing for the
2010 Caribbean Championship. The Caribbean Championship brings together
the national teams of the Caribbean region of the CONCACAF
confederation. The top four teams of the championship receive an
invitation to participate in the Gold Cup, a major step towards a World
Cup selection.
The FC Tampa Bay superstar has noted a few differences from what he is normally accustomed to.
"The
style of play is definitely different from playing back in Tampa just
because of the kind of players we have. We are also very young compared
to other national teams, and we do need to work hard over the next few
weeks," added Millien.
Millien has demonstrated his versatility
and knowledge of the game by adapting and making a smooth transition.
Pascal has already developed a strong relationship with head coach,
Edson Tavares. The Haitian head coach has put Millien in at midfield
where he has been excelling the most over the past couple of weeks.
The
midfielder and the rest of the Haitian national team will travel to
Trinidad and Tobago to begin group play on Nov. 2. If all goes well for
the team, they will continue play and hope to bring home the Caribbean
Championship to Haiti on Dec. 5.
By Steven Fidura
University of Tampa Athletics