Indiana University Athletics
Leading By Example: Josh Tudela
9/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 6, 2006
Senior midfielder Josh Tudela is a man of few words. The team captain doesn't always have a lot to say, but when he does speak up, his teammates know to listen.
Tudela, a fifth-year senior, is the veteran player on the 2006 edition of the men's soccer team. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection last year, and enters the season as Indiana's leading returning scorer, with six goals and five assists for 17 points last season.
"It's nice to be a senior, but at the same time it's scary," Tudela said. "It's your last year, and it seems like just yesterday we were walking in as freshmen and had our whole careers ahead of us. Now it's coming to an end at IU."
In his five years, he has seen the squad go through ups and downs, from NCAA titles in 2003 and 2004, to a disappointing 2005 season that saw the Hoosiers get knocked out in the second round of the NCAA Tournament by Notre Dame. It is getting back to the top that drives him every day.
"Last year was a hard season for everyone," Tudela said. "It opened up everybody's eyes, and now we know what we need to do to get back to the top. Everyone's focused on that, so that we do get back to the top."
He is reluctant to talk about his own skills, instead choosing to focus on what the team needs to do to win. It is that team mentality that made him the right choice for team captain.
"I like to lead by example," Tudela said, "To show guys that every day when we go out there we need to work our hardest so that we can become better each day, so hopefully by the end we're all playing the best soccer we can.
"As a team, we need to pay attention to the small details on and off the field. Doing everything the right way, and taking it one game at a time."
Tudela is positive about the attitude that this year's team has going into the season.
"Everyone's here to work for each other. We know what it takes to be No. 1 and everyone's ready to do it," Tudela said.
Head coach Mike Freitag concurs that Tudela sets a prime example on and off the field in his role as captain.
"He comes to train with a professional attitude every day," Freitag said. "I never have to worry about Josh never showing up to train.
"He is the best example for his teammates. He knows the intensity that's necessary to train at and he knows the intensity to play at. He's instilled this work rate into him that makes him successful."
Although his focus is on the team, Tudela's skill has not gone unnoticed, as the Evansville native was recognized for his talent by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) as one of 25 players in the country on the Missouri Athletic Club's (M.A.C.) Hermann Trophy Watch List. The trophy is awarded annually to the Division I soccer Player of the Year.
"It feels amazing to know that I've been nominated for that award," Tudela said. "To know that you're considered to be one of the best players in the nation. In my last year of school and my last season at IU, it's good to go out like that."
On the field, Tudela is not the most flashy player, but flies under the radar and always gets the job done when the ball comes his way.
"He's got a great engine, and can run all day long," Freitag said. "He's got a great brain for the game and is a technically sound player for us."
Tudela's feel for the game should pay dividends this fall.
"My goals are to play my best, and do whatever it takes to help the team get to the number one spot at the end of the season," Tudela said. "That's the ultimate goal, to be the national champions at the end."
