Mick Giordano to Play Soccer in Germany

UNC Asheville assistant coach Mick Giordano will miss the second half of the Bulldogs' season this year.

That's because he's going to get a chance to fulfill a dream.

This week, Mick will head to Germany to play professional soccer. He'll be playing for the Vahdet Braunschweig in Germany's fifth division.

Mick played for the Blue & White in 2012 and 2013 as a midfielder. He transferred to UNC Asheville from Charlotte where he was close friends with 49er standout Tyler Gibson. That friendship continued even after Giordano came to Asheville and when Gibson went to Germany to play for Braunschweig.

“I've kept up with Tyler, and he let me know a few weeks ago that they (Braunschweig) had some injuries and needed an American player,” commented Giordano. “He was nice enough to mention me, and now I'm going to Germany to play soccer!!!

“It's been a dream of mine ever since I started playing to play in Europe,” added Giordano. “I'm very excited, but I'm nervous, too. This will be a whole different experience for me.”

Mick has never been to Germany and doesn't speak German. Luckily he's getting some help in that area. Women's soccer coach Michelle Demko played professionally in Germany and has given him some tips along with Bulldog track and field performer Sam Barbeau.

“I'm working on my German, and I'm better than I was a few weeks ago but still have a lot to learn,” he said. “Coach Demko and Sam have been a real big help to me.”

Mick is excited about going but hates to leave midway through the year.

“It's hard to leave in the middle of the season. I've really enjoyed my first year of coaching, and we've got a lot of potential in the second half of the year,” admitted Giordano. “However, everyone has been very supportive and has encouraged me and wished me good luck.

“I can't thank Coach (Matt) Kern enough for allowing me to go,” said Giordano. “And there's been support from everyone. I want to thank our trainers, James Westfall and Heather Mohler, plus our strength coach, Omar Ahmad. All of them have helped me get back in game shape.

“I also need to thank Coach (Jeremy) Jordan, Coach Weems, my teammates and our former assistant John O'Brien, who have been such a big help to me,” commented Giordano. “My teammates, parents and Kennedy Garrett have always pushed me, and that's helped me make this dream possible.

“And a big thanks goes to our Athletics Director, Janet Cone. She allowed me to begin my coaching career after I graduated last year, and she's helping me realize my dream by allowing me to go to Germany and play,” Giordano added.

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