Nii-Amar's Weekly Diary

Nii-Amar Amamo, a senior on the men's soccer team, shared his thoughts on the team's progress throughout the season. Read along as Nii-Amar comments on the team's preparation and the season in general.

Final Diary Entry - November 30, 2000 Nii-Amar Amamoo final diary entry

As I look back on my four years here at Duke, I can easily say I have had a great time. We never made a true run at the National Championship, but I guess it was not meant to be. I have had a lot of time to think about the season, since our loss to Brown. We had a good season. I can remember when we were 0-2, and people said that our tournament chances were gone. And then the loss to Radford and UNC in the same week, really solidified their claims. But we made it in, and had two games that if they were held anywhere else, the outcomes might have been different.

In soccer, I guess, there are a lot of things you can prepare for. The heat, cold, speed, skill, size, etc. But the games, if you saw them, would remind you of the old kick and run games of five and six year olds. In these games, there was no dribbling, no skill, no speed, no play. All both teams could do was just kick it. I think it is unfortunate that games of this magnitude had to be in such horrid conditions.

That is pretty much all I can say about them, they both could have gone either way. I am really going to miss playing soccer at this University. I just remember at the end every season, I always so glad that I was not in the seniors shoes, and I had another year, but now Im the senior, and I can really see it in the eyes of the younger guys.

They, like I did, feel bad for me. But, this is life. "All good things must come to an end." I will remember the emotions of playing here, and the memories will be with me forever. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play.

Diary Entry XII

Nii-Amar's Bio

The ACC Tournament did not turn out how I had hoped. I thought we would have been playing UNC in the finals instead of UVA. But we must go on. Virginia's team really came out and played very well. I do not think that we played horrible, but we must respect and commend UVA on its great game. In the game they gave us nothing, they made minimal mistakes, and really had a complete game.

But, our season continues, with the NCAA. It was kind of scary when the selection announced our name. When they took the last commercial break, with 8 teams reaming, I knew three teams that had to have made it. I began to wonder if there was any way for us not to get in. We received a bid, and now have a new chance for greatness.

There are 32 teams left still playing, and I am excited about being one of those teams. We have a really tough game first round against the University of South Carolina. The are the No. 7 seed, but in this tournament, the seeds really do not matteranything can happen.

Coach Rennie put the tournament in perspective. Anything can happen. We now have a new season and each game is a new season. If we are still standing after the fourth mini-season, we will be champions.

I want to, and will do everything in my power to be the last team standing. At the end of each season, hundreds of teams are disappointed, and only one team is satisfied. I want to be that one team. We have a huge hill to climb, but I am confident in our abilities as a team to make this happen. Every game could be my last game of my college career, I have to and want to make this a season to remember.

Carpe Diem

Diary Entry XI

I cannot say what the win against Wake Forest meant to the seniors this program and myself. There were a lot of mixed emotions that went into Saturday nights game. I am so glad that we got out of there with a win. Wake came out and played like they had everything to lose. If they had won that game they would have been in an ok position for a bid in the NCAA. That is the manner in which they looked at the game, and the way they performed. It was a physical game, and a true test of our team character.

To go down one goal against Wake was a true test. They are a team that we have never had an easy game against. No matter what their situation is, they love to play us. Everyone had to step up and contribute to the victory. Trevor coming in, and giving us the equalizer, and then Ali, in heroic form, scoring the game winner. Which also happens to be the goal that breaks the all-time scoring record. It was awesome!

We ended the ACC regular season on top, along with UVA and UNC. But due to goal differential we are the 3rd seed for the tournament. We have a tough road to walk if we want to win the crown this year. I think our team has the mindset and players to do it.

This years tournament is wide open. Any team has the possibility to win it. What makes things more interesting is that many teams are on the NCAA tournament bubble. Some teams have to win the ACC crown to get a bid, while others have to win some games. At this stage in the season, one loss and things are over. If we want to extend our season, we have to keep winning. I am excited to play. This is a great stage for us to prove to ourselves that we are a good team. The atmosphere is set, and all we have to do is raise ourselves to the challenge set before us. I am thankful for the opportunity to play in such a great event, and I know we will do well.

Question Of The Week: Are you guys assured a bid for the NCAA Tournament?

From my experience we are never in. Last year when we ranked #1 and undefeated, I was still not sure we were in. I am not on the committee, and I have no idea what they are thinking. The only way, I know we are in, is if we win the ACC tournament. And if we are holding up a trophy on Sunday, then that is the only time I will be able to say yes we are in.

Diary Entry X

Last weekend was a crazy ride for us. To make a long story short, we arrived at the field with 15 minutes to go until we were scheduled to kick off. So I think we spent the first half of the match still trying to warm up, and get into the flow. We were down 2-1 at the half, which was indicative of our crazy schedule. Our coach put this in perspective when he asked us one simple questionDo you want your season to end today. With that said, we really came together and put the first half behind us. We played the best 35 minutes I have ever seen us play. We came out and dominated UNC Charlotte. With 10 minutes to go, we were up 5-2. However, we learned that a team never gives up. The final score was 5-4.

The Sunday game was against one of my favorite teams to beat up on. UNC Greensboro is a team with a lot of hatred for the ACC and especially Duke. It was a team with high hopes, and a hostile home crowd to please. We played a good game, and came out of there with a great 5-0 win. The game did not go without a battle. I think there were almost 60 fouls in the game. It got pretty physical at times. It was good for us to play under extreme pressure.

Our team is improving. I do not think that we are there yet, but every week we are working harder and improving as a team. Our practices have been, at times, harder than the games. We have all learned the importance of pushing each other in practice, which in turn improves our performance in our games.

This weekends game against Wake is hugeto say the least. Not only are there ACC seeding implications, but regional NCAA rankings are at stake. Our region is so close and there are so many teams vying for the few spots in the big dance. A win would give us a slight edge, but a loss will be extremely detrimental to our chances. Moreover, this is Senior Night. My last REGULAR season home game is finally here. It is such a bitter-sweat moment for me. I have a lot of great memories over my years here at Duke, and I hope to make many more. However, as I look back I can pinpoint a few great times I have had -- winning the ACC tournament last year, beating UVA two years in overtime in the semi-finals of the ACC tournament; winning in overtime against UCONN last year in our Adidas classicjust to name a few. I also want to take this time to thank a few people who have made my years so much fun. It is hard to thank everyone that has impacted my career here at Duke, so many people have been a part of my Duke-life. Thanks Joe, Joe, Dave, Sue-z, T, Coach K II, Kerry, Hap, Dave, Lindy, Scott, Mark, Jane, Norm, Mike, Steve, Tim, Floyd, The Larawyas, The Akwaris, Ray, Jen, Jeff, and many, many more. HOWEVER, the season is not over!!!! We have a long way to go to reach our ultimate goal. Just one chapter is coming to an end. Stick around for part two, It should be fun.

I would also give a special thanks to the senior class. We have had a lot of fun and crazy times. I cannot believe this ride is almost over, I hope that we can finish the way we have always dreamed it.

Diary Entry IX

The game against the University of Virginia is a game that I am always going to remember. To play up at UVA and to win is a great feat. They are a great team with a very extraordinary record. The crowd is very passionate and they love their home team. Both our team and UVA played with great intensity and heart. This game meant a lot for both teams. I saw a side of our team that has been developing over the past few weeks. We had to fight every inch of the way to come out of there with a win. However, this game does not mean anything if we do not perform well this weekend against UNC Charlotte and UNC Greensboro. If we do not win the games this weekend, the wins we have had thus far are meaningless.

These weekend games mean a lot for us. We have to win them in order to keep our postseason chances alive. These teams love to play and beat ACC teams, and especially Duke. They will be coming out flying, and hungry for a victory. I expect these games to be real battles, but I think that if we are ready for the challenge. I think there is a little tension between UNCG, and us and I think that is going to add to the intensity and spirit of the game. They will be fun games, and I cannot wait.

This week of practice has been very intense and successful. We have fine-tuned a few our problems, and have prepared for our opponents this weekend. We still have a lot to prove. We want respect, but we also understand that no one is just going to give it to us. We have to earn it and that road is not going to be easy. But I think our team is up for the challenge.

It Seems That A Lot Of People Are Getting Into The Starting Line Up, Why and What Are Your Thoughts?

I think it is great. I think it is a testament to the type of players that we have on this team, there is such a slim difference from player to player. A lot of people have gotten their chance to start and have all done well with those opportunities. At this level, anyone can play and start. Starting is a measure not of skill level, but of confidence and the manner in which you are performing at the time. Some guys are just hot right now, and are seeing the field. Having so many guys starting this season has allowed many different players the chance to gain some valuable playing experience. We are going to need everyone on this team, to be successful. The more players that can play, the better our team will be.

Diary Entry VIII

The last two games against American and N C State have been must win games for our team. We have come out with that attitude and were able to win them. Wednesday nights game against High Point is another one of these games. It was a great feeling to out work these teams. Every game is going to be a hard fought game, and this past week, we proved to ourselves that we can work as hard as any team we play.

However, we are still not out of our hole yet. We have begun to dig ourselves out, but we have a ways to go. The losses that we suffered against UNC and Radford made many people turn their backs on us, and count us out. At first it was hard to understand, but I think it has been a good test for us. We have really had to go out and play for results every game. Every game has put us under a lot of pressure. Last season the only games that we played under extreme pressure were the two games in the NCAAs. I think we all understand how to coupe with the pressure, and use it to our advantage. We have some huge games left, but we have to take one game at a time.

At the beginning of our season our team developed a concept that has really come true this season. Our charge to ourselves was to play hard and play together. I think if we stay true to these themes we can achieve all that we set out to.

Question Of The Week

With the losses you have suffered, can you guys still get in the NCAAs?

I have heard this question over and over again. You know that is a good question. I have no idea. That decision is left to the selection committee. When we lost our first games in September, people began counting us out. I can assure you, that we will fight until the very end. We are not in great shape, but we are not in horrible shape either. If you look at the teams we have lost to (except for Radford) they are all having great seasons. All teams will lose games. October is a month that is very important for us. I think that if we have a great rest of the season, we will be in good shape going into the ACC tournament. I believe in our team, and I believe that we can be successful. I cannot promise anything, but I will say that the people who think that we are done, should not count us out so soon.

Diary Entry VII

The lost to Carolina was a hard blow to take. I do not think that they are a better team, or that we played sub-par, but they won. A lot of people have been comparing last year's season to this years. To go undefeated was a rare occasion. In any ACC game any team can win, that is the way our conference works. Our position is not the greatest, but we are not out of the race. We have some things we have to do, and if we accomplish them we will be back in the hunt.

The game this Friday against Buffalo will be our first step to getting back on the road. This team is going to be a real challenge for us, but I know we are up for it. I dont know much about this team, but I know the mindset that many teams like this have. To them, beating Duke at Duke will be a highlight of their season. The longer they stay in the game, the more trouble we are going to have. This Friday we have to match their effort, and I think we will be fine.

Looking ahead to our next few games, we have American, NC State and High Point. These games for us are must wins. To keep control of our season, we have to win these games, I have a lot of confidence in our team that we can and will get the job done. We have a lot of games left, and a lot to still show the world.

Question of the Week: What is the big difference in this years team?

This is a question that I have been hearing even since we lost our first game. I do not think there is a big difference. We lost some players, and we gained some. This year everything has taken us a little longer to get rolling. Last year the ball bounced our way, and we won some games. I do not think that the team itself is any different. We are all older and more experienced. We have to respect the fact that teams are hungrier and out to beat us because of the expectations and the year we had last year. Our outcomes thus far have been different, but the season is not over yet. Just stick around with us.

Diary-Entry VI

This past weekend's game against Maryland was a great win for us. Maryland was a good team that has been going through some hard times.

We came out and earned the victory, proving we could win away from home.

Playing away, especially in an ACC game, is really tough. These games mean so much to both teams, and having the home crowd behind you elevates your play. I would like to thank the team that came down from Pennsylvania. You guys are great, and thanks for the cookies.

The game last night against Radford was a nightmare. I was hoping to wake up this morning and find it just to be a dream. But the truth is, we played a horrible half of soccer, and dug ourselves a hole that we could not escape from. Our second half was great, but it was too late. Now we are 5-3, and I cannot believe it. If we want to go places, we have to stop teams from scoring, and last night we did a horrific job. The only problem/blessing is that we have a game in three days, and we do not have time to sulk over this loss.

The Carolina game is massive. It is very big for us. A win will get us back on track, and give us a 3-0 record in the ACC. But the other result will be detrimental to our season. It is a must win situation. There is a lot of tension between our two teams - a combination of extreme dislike but also mutual respect. It is going to be a true Duke-Carolina battle. I have been hearing things from their camp all year. They are ready for this game and have been thinking about it for almost a year. I personally want to take it to them. I want them to leave with an extreme sense of defeat. I am looking forward to this game. I have a lot to prove, and we as a team have a lot to prove.

Diary-Entry V

The win against Clemson last Sunday was a great win for us, and devastating for the Tigers. It was a must win for both teams, which made the game a true battle. We did not come out as hard as they did, but we stepped up our play and matched their intensity. The ACC games are unlike any other. They are more meaningful, more intense and more fun. It was good to get the first ACC game under our belts.

The week off was great for us. It has given us time to work and improve on some things. Furthermore, it gives us time to prepare for our next battle against Maryland. Maryland is a great team, and playing them away adds another hurdle. In my career at Duke, I have only beaten Maryland once out of four chances. Those losses are still very vivid in my mind. The game is going to be again, very important for both of us. If we win, we can keep climbing back to the top, and take a slim lead in the ACC standings. I ma confident in out team, that if we play our game we will come back victorious.

Question Of The Week

What is it like having seven seniors who are all very involved in the team?

Having a large senior class is great. It adds a lot of leadership on and off the field. We are all very weathered as far as playing thus far in our careers. Moreover, it&rsquos a lot of fun. There are so many stories that we have shared over our careers. We have been through a lot: not getting in the tournament our first year, and then only making it to the first and second rounds the next two years. We have also won the regular season ACC crown two out of the three years we have been here. So far our greatest impact on this program was our ACC tournament win last year. BUT WE ARE NOT SATISFIED. We have a long way to go to reach our ultimate goal, but everyday we are working hard to reach it.

Diary-Entry IV

It was good to capture the wins this week against Long Island, Butler, and especially Campbell, a midweek game we played on Wednesday. Midweek games are much harder to prepare for. The one thing we did differently in these past few games that we did not do so well earlier in the season was to seize our opportunities early. Each game will offer scoring chances, and we have to finish them if we want to win.

This upcoming game against Clemson on Sunday is probably the biggest game for us thus far this season. It is our first ACC game of the season. Every ACC game is a battle, and this years games will be fiercer than ever. The Clemson-Duke rivalry goes back a long way and has even intensified since my career started. These are the games I love. I dont feel that Clemson respects us much, and I cannot wait until we step on the field on Sunday. Winning is not going to be easy, but I have a lot of confidence in our team. Our teams are evenly matched, and the determining factor is going to be the team that comes to really play.

We are still not out of our hole. We have to regain the respect that we deserve by winning and playing good soccer. There are a lot of good teams out there, and to win the ACC title this year will be a great feat.

Question of the Week

What is the best part about playing Soccer for Duke?

I think the best part about being an athlete at this University is the people around you. There are so many people on your side. And not to sound corny, but its a real family. You want the other athletes to win, and when they lose somehow you feel as if you have lost. The family extends far beyond just athletes - there are also many people who work to support you in every aspect of your life. For instance, the team doctors, trainers, coaches, and other organizations like the Varsity Club. Everyone wants you to be successful here at Duke and are always around to help in any way they can.

Diary Entry III

Week 3
I have still not gathered my thoughts from last weekends games. The teams we played were good teams and we played two good games. But we lost because we did not put everything together perfectly. I can not honestly say that I am totally past those losses. The pain of losing mixed with the irony of the game produces a very strange feeling. I am past those games, and we as a team have learned a lot from them.

Those games are behind us now, and the best thing for our team is to focus on our next games. It is a little too early to begin to get sentimental about the season, but this is my last Duke Classic. This weekend has always been a high point of our season. Furthermore, this is the first opportunity to play at home. A lot can be said for other teams fans, but I think we have the most educated (soccer knowledge) and passionate fans in the country. I love playing at home. When I am at home I reach another level of excitement, and I have so much fun. This weekend is a huge opportunity to prove ourselves. Thus far we have come a little short in our goals, but I am optimistic that this weekend will produce great results. One of my main concerns about Butler and Long Island University is the fact that we know nothing about either team. This weekend we have been preparing ourselves for any and everything. But the truth will be told Friday and Saturday night on the field. The games will not be easy, but I think we are ready to play.

This stage of the season is when we must begin to really focus on our objectives and ready ourselves. Preseason and the beginning of the season have both come and gone, and this is when the meat of our schedule begins. We have a host of games in the coming weeks, and we have to approach every game like it is our last. We have to respect not only each opponent, but also the game itself. We cannot take anything for granted. As we have learned winning is not easy, and it is going to take everyone on our team to win.

I have been receiving some emails asking what I planned to do after this season. That is a very good question because I have no clue. I know I would like to play soccer after college. I also really enjoy politics and public policy issues, so hopefully sometime in my life I will be able to pursue a career in public service.

Diary Entry II

Nii-Amar's Bio

Week 2
People have always said that you learn more from a loss than a win. I think our team learned a lot from our loss to Rutgers. As a team we did some great things on the field, but we also learned what we need more work on. Soccer is a crazy game, you can totally out play a team, and still lose. After the two games this weekend, we were really charged and focused on our season openers this coming weekend in UCONN.

We went right to work on the things that we had learned this past weekend. The goals for the week of practice were set, and everyone did an exceptional job making sure they were met. The best thing about this team is our depth. I think that this is the best all-around team that I have experienced thus far in my career here. Although our depth creates various situations that could cause some interesting situations in the future.

This weekend is a huge weekend for us. It is very easy for us and others to over look our St. Johns game to the one against UConn. However, we have spent the entire week preparing for the most important game thus far---St Johns. If we over look them, then a loss could be very detrimental to our season. I am really excited to play this weekend. The atmosphere is going to be very hostile, but a wonderful stage is set. Soccer America came out with their week one poll and we are ranked No.1 and UConn is No.2. This just makes the target on our backs even bigger. As I said in last weeks entry, our experience and the leadership of the seniors is going to be a huge factor in our success this year. I think that this weekends games will be the first real test. We have a great opportunity to send a statement to the entire country. Our team has a lot to prove, but I am very confident that we are going to do very well this weekend.

More on personal note, my mom is coming this weekend, and I am really excited for her to see me play. That has been one of the biggest differences of playing soccer in college. In high school and club soccer, my mom and dad came to every game. But now, they can only make about three or four a year. It was always good to see a familiar face in the crowd. Hopefully we can give her, and all of the other parents and friends that are making the trip to UConn from all over, a good show.

Diary Entry I

Nii-Amar's Bio

My Summer
This summer was very intense and extremely exciting. I worked at Goldman Sachs in their equity division. What attracted me to the equity side of the financial world was the fast pace and volatility of the stock market. I was able to apply many of the skills that I have learned through my activity in soccer to my job this summer. Teamwork and quick decision making were imperative to succeeding on the playing field and on Wall Street. Working this summer really made me appreciate the opportunity I have this year, and made me even more determined to succeed this soccer season.

The Season Ahead
This season the team and myself have a lot to prove. I think we had a great season last year, but the last game put a dark cloud on our entire season. The game against Santa Clara left a bad taste in our mouths' that we have to get over, but must not forget. We are all one year older, and I believe for us to be successful this season we have to capitalize on that experience. The big part of our success this season is going to fall in the hands of the senior class. I am excited about being one of three captions this year, and ready to assume that responsibility. However, I feel that the unique part about this team this year is that all of our seniors are weathered and great leaders. I think everyone will have to step up and assume the leadership role. We have a great chemistry and relationship.

The team has set our goals for the season, and from day one we have been working extremely hard to meet those goals. Our workouts thus far have all been intense and focused. A phrase that is used to make sure we stay focused that I feel is very imperative to our success this year is, "the harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."

I think that our schedule points towards the point that we are not rolling into our season. We are starting with a bang. Our first four games are against some of the top teams in the country. We travel to Indiana this weekend and next weekend we travel to UConn. I am excited to begin this way. The best way to gauge our progress is to play the best. These teams are among the best, and I think that if we stay focused and play as one we will do very well.