Throughout the 2020-2021 year, the Aurora University athletic department will highlight the senior student-athletes. The seniors will provide some insight to their time at AU while getting to know them as individuals they have grown into in their time as a Spartan.
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Senior Spotlight: Dominic Diaz (Men's Lacrosse)
Major:Â Exercise Science
What are your plans after graduation? To get into occupational therapy graduate school.
What is your most memorable/best academic experience at AU? My most memorable academic experience would be when we were all sent home due to the COVID-19 outbreak and I doubt I will ever forget that. As for my best experience, I would have to say my history class with Dr. Forward. He really opened my eyes on how to be a successful college student.
What is your most memorable athletic moment at AU? I'd have to say playing against Ohio Wesleyan my freshman year. They were a top 10 team that season and I have never been as nervous as I was that game when my coach told me to take the next faceoff.
Other than the sport(s) you play; what other sports are you good at? I'd consider myself pretty elite at four square. After I retire from lacrosse, I'll be searching for adult competitive leagues.
Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby or activity? Playing Super Smash Bros. Melee and Rocket League. If anyone is looking to lose, hit me up anytime.
What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria? If my parents or coach were asking: the salads. The actual honest answer: those chicken nugget days were practically a weekly holiday to me.
What AU faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you and why? Jeff Probst. I've practically lived in the training room during my career due to my hip issues (still hoping they name the room after me), and Jeff has always been incredibly helpful and managed to keep me playing. Without him, I would not have survived my sophomore season.
What do you enjoy most and least about practice? My favorite thing about practice is when we do midwest vs. the world competitions, because I love that midwest always wins because we're better. My least favorite thing about practices is when we do midwest vs. the world competitions, because I feel bad always having to beat my teammates.
Do you have any pregame rituals? I play a game of Rocket League or two before I leave the house, then I typically get a Subway Cold Cut combo that I eat before getting changed for the game. Also, I listen to some lighthearted music to relax me, always listening to Flashdance...What a Feeling before we go out to warm up. Finally, I always say a quick prayer before we do the national anthem.
What advice would you give to underclassmen at AU? Work hard and manage your time. There's enough hours in the day to be a good student and athlete, if you manage your time appropriately. Sometimes you may have to sacrifice a little fun for what's important, but you will thank yourself in the future for doing so.
If you had to listen to one song on repeat forever, what would it be and why? Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor. The song is a banger and could be played in any setting. Workouts, games, parties, yoga, you name it, it does it all.
What is something that people may not know about you but should? I'm not actually 5'9... I'm 5'8 and 3 quarters.
If you could spend an hour each with three people (past or present), who would you choose and why?
My grandpa, because I never got to meet him and I've heard nothing but great things about him and would love to meet him.
My cat Purcy. He lived to be 20 years old and I miss having him around the house, bothering me.
Alex Smith. Dude was my idol growing up and seeing him recover from his leg injury is incredible. I'd love to buy him a drink.
