HAMDEN, Conn. (BVM) — Quinnipiac University midfielder Simon Hillinger is staying in America for the summer of 2021 ahead of his final season with the men’s soccer team. 

Hillinger, graduate student from Stuttgart, Germany, believes living in Hamden over the summer break will prepare him best for the upcoming fall campaign. 

“I have a lot going for me here,” Hillinger said. “Connecticut opening up offers a wide range of opportunities for me to keep fit and come back better in August.” 

Hillinger has returned to Germany every break since moving to the country in 2017. He is used to living on his own, moving out of his home at 16-years-old to pursue his dream of playing professional soccer. 

“Moving five hours away at 16 has definitely helped make me capable of living here the entire year,” Hillinger said. “It’s definitely tough not seeing my family, but they know how happy I am in Connecticut.” 

Hillinger has landed himself an internship which he can focus on during the summer. He will be covering basketball prospects, something that will bring him out of his comfort zone. He will also be coaching at soccer camps in Cheshire, Connecticut. 

Hillinger wants to take his journalism experience further after receiving his bachelor in the spring. 

“I was actually struggling to find a journalism internship,” Hillinger said. “This website reached out and thought it would be nice to move outside my comfort zone, but it will also look nice on my resume.” 

Hillinger is looking forward to playing in the summer as he signed for the Cheshire United under-23 team. He sees this as an opportunity to relax and enjoy his soccer. 

“After playing in a very stressful spring season without any guarantees of schedules, I’m excited to take a deep breath and play for fun,” Hillinger said. 

Hillinger further discussed how he’ll be playing with teammates from Quinnipiac at United. He believes this will help the team bond and become close. 

“We already have a tight group, but with half of the squad being international, playing with the guys from Connecticut will help our family spirit going into the fall,” Hillinger said. 

Quinnipiac finished the 2021 season with a 7-2 record, while closing with a MAAC Regular Season Title. After losing in the MAAC Final to Monmouth University, this makes it the second time in four years Hillinger has lost in the final. 

Unfortunately, Hillinger missed the first three games of the season due to COVID-19. The Bobcats captain fought back to be a crucial part of the team, lighting a spark whenever he came onto the field.

For his final season with the Bobcats, Hillinger’s main goal is to finally lift the MAAC trophy and represent Quinnipiac at the NCAA tournament. With the resources Connecticut has to offer, he believes this will be the best season yet, not only for him, but for the Bobcats. 

“We are lucky in the fact that we are keeping the majority of the squad from the spring,” Hillinger said. “Hopefully with some key recruits coming in, this will be our year.”