In Their Own Words - Postcard from Carlo Ritaccio

Follow Zips Men's Soccer on Twitter (@ZipsMSOC) and Facebook

AKRON, Ohio - We continue updates from across the country and the world in what we like to call Postcards from The Zips. Up next, from men's soccer is Akron junior Carlo Ritaccio (Westbury, N.Y.).

First off, are you and your family doing well?

My family and I are all doing very well in these crazy times.

Talk about the importance of having your family around?

It definitely is great to have the family around, although the circumstances aren't what they usually are when we are all together. But having everyone around and knowing that they are all safe does make me feel much better.

What is daily life like back home knowing that you have been expected to stay inside?

Now that I have to stay home, I have been staying in shape by working out in my basement with my brothers, spending time with my family and my dog, and watching plenty of movies!

Discuss your feelings as the events were occurring that ultimately led to the cancellation of spring sports and you returning home?

My teammates and I were all upset that the spring season had to end sooner than we expected, but we were also on board with the decision made as we understand that it had to be done in order to stay healthy and safe.

What are some of the things you have been doing lately to maintain and/or build your fitness for the anticipated return of sports this fall?

Some things that I have been doing lately to build my fitness for this upcoming season is training multiple times a day with my brother so that we can push each other to reach new levels of fitness and playing so that we are prepared to the fullest.

Favorite summertime activities?

Going to the beach and bike riding have to be my favorite summertime activities.

What are some shows or movies that you have enjoyed watching while in quarantine?

One of the best shows that I've watched during quarantine was The Sopranos.

Talk about your excitement of seeing live soccer return recently in Bundesliga?

It has been great! I really enjoy getting to see live soccer again. I've really been amazed as to how prepared a lot of these teams have been while they have been in quarantine and it motivates me to do even more as a soccer player and a student-athlete.

What was your favorite class you took this past year or during your time at Akron?

I would have to say macroeconomics with Professor Bragg was definitely my most enjoyable class that I have been a part of so far at the University of Akron.

Discuss your communication with your teammates around the world and back here in Ohio during this time?

Our team is usually very close with one another, but in these moments, we keep in touch with each other through texting and social media and check up on each other making sure that we are all okay.

Is there a lesson(s) that you have learned during quarantine that will help you as we move forward towards the new normal with the return of classes and sports?

One of the biggest lessons that I have learned as a student-athlete is to never take anything for granted because in any moment, something special can be taken away. As a student, the academic support has been fantastic through these times and they have been very supportive. But I have realized how critical the academic staff are when I do not see them in person every day. As an Athlete, due the unfortunate events of seeing some of these teams being discontinued, it has been very eye-opening that I am fortunate to still have the opportunity to play with my teammates and to make every day as a Zip count.

Can you describe what it has means to be a Zip, especially during this time?

It means a lot to be a Zip in times like these. As a student-athlete for the University of Akron, I look to maintain the highest standard as a Zip both online in my classes and while preparing back home for the fall as a student-athlete.

The University of Akron Athletics

In Their Own Words - Postcard from Carlo Ritaccio

Related News

Players Mentioned

Carlo Ritaccio

Related Videos