Hokies to MLS: An Interview with Virginia Tech’s James Kasak on his selection by Sporting Kansas City

The dream of many young athletes is to one day become a professional at the sport they love. At Virginia Tech, like so many schools, we watch as new Hokies arrive, compete for the university, and for a few, take the next step. Earlier this month, Virginia Tech Men’s Soccer midfielder James Kasak saw his named called in the 2020 Major League Soccer (MLS) Draft by Sporting Kansas City.

Now in the middle of MLS preseason training camp, Kasak is getting his first experience at playing soccer professionally. January got even better for James, as earlier today the school announced he was named to the All-ACC Academic team for the third time during his career at Virginia Tech. We caught up with him to ask a few questions about his journey so far, and plan to follow-up as clubs make their final roster decisions in the coming weeks.

GC: Before we get to your draft selection, can you talk to us about how you ended up at Virginia Tech?

JK: I ended up playing for Virginia Tech after my time with SOCA in Charlottesville. The VT coaches would scout many of our games and ended up giving me and offer. I liked the school, coaches, and the team, so that’s where I chose.

GC: The Men’s soccer program has continued to strengthen ever since joining the ACC, heading into your senior year was turning pro always your primary focus once the season was up?

JK: Turning pro has been a lifelong dream of mine, so once senior season came around I knew that was going to be my last chance to try and make the dream come true.

GC: Prior to the draft had you spoken with representatives from Sporting Kansas City?

JK: Prior to the draft I had not spoken to any Sporting KC representatives.

GC: MLS training camps are fully underway now and SKC recently had a friendly against Phoenix Rising FC - in which you got an assist. Give us your initial impressions of being in an MLS training camp?

JK: MLS training camp is very challenging. We’re going through two difficult practices a day and continuing to do fitness as well.

GC: Has the club spoken to you yet about where you might spend the 2020 season - whether that’s the first team or with SKCII in the USL Championship?

JK: I haven’t had talks with anyone yet about where I might end up in regards to first team or with SKC II.

Thanks again to James for talking time to talk with us during preseason and best of luck as he works to secure a spot for the 2020 season. We will plan to catch up with James for Part 2 in this season as the preseason comes to a close and teams turn their focus to the upcoming campaign.