Catching Up With The #ProDawgs: Cristian Roldan
March 07, 2017 | Men's Soccer
The University of Washington men's soccer program has produced over 60 professional soccer players in over six different leagues between the MLS, USL, NASL and more. 20 former Washington men's soccer student-athletes are currently playing or involved on 17 different organizations. This spring we will catch up with each of our current #ProDawgs to see what they have been up to since their time at the University of Washington.
This week, we talked to Cristian Roldan who was a member of the 2013 Pac-12 Championship team.
Q: What team are you currently playing for, and how long have you been with them?
A: Seattle Sounders and this is the start of my third year.
Q: What other teams/leagues have you playing for/in since your time at UW?
A: I have only played for Seattle since my time at UW.
Q: Is being a professional athlete what you imagined it would be? Why or why not?
A: Being a professional athlete has been great, it is everything I imagined and more. The reason being is the feeling of winning a major trophy in this league. It is such a difficult task to achieve but we were able to dig ourselves out of a hole and bring home a championship for the city.
Q: What's it like having Henry Wingo on the team with you now?
A: I always thought henry would be a good player at the professional level. He has shown very well and it's almost like having a brother on my team.
Q: What was it like going through the playoffs and winning the MLS Cup last December?
A: It was incredible, the amount of emotions during this run was outstanding. Being part of this wonderful experience with my teammates, my family, and all the fans is one for the books.
Q: What years did you play at UW?
A: I played at UW from 2013-2014.
Q: What did you major in?
A: I am still currently taking classes online, my major is sociology. I am getting closer and closer to finishing.
Q: What is something you miss most about UW?
A: I miss the friendships and sense of brotherhood the most. I think UW soccer is a very close group of people and I hope it continues in that way.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from playing at Washington?
A: My favorite memory was winning the Pac-12 Conference title at Oregon State. Everybody counted us out at the beginning of the year but we proved them wrong.
Q: Any advice for any current or future Huskies that want to play professionally?
A: UW will definitely help you prepare for life after college. It provides the whole package, it will not only help you strive in the classroom; it will also help you grow as a person and as a soccer player. If UW did not bring me in I don't know if I'd still be playing soccer.
