Playing soccer brought Alec Neumann to the University of Pennsylvania, and, since arriving on campus in the fall, the freshman has relished in the game and in the ability to pursue additional interests as well.

Much of Neumann’s first semester on campus was devoted to soccer. During the season, there were daily, three-hour practices, games on weekends and some games during the week. 

Juggling practice, games, classwork and social activities has been a challenge that Neumann enjoys.

“I chose Penn because of the combination of it being one of the most rigorous academic schools in the country and the soccer program being consistently good and because the social life and being in Philly — nothing really matches it.”

As for academics, Neumann plans to major in philosophy, politics and economics, with a concentration in economics.

“The part I like about economics is how global it’s becoming,” says Neumann. “I’m interested in how economics affects people around the world.”

On the soccer field, the Quaker team forward enjoyed a successful season.

The most exciting game of the season for Neumann was when Penn played Georgetown in September in a matchup against his older brother, Steve, a forward for the Hoyas. Growing up in New Hope, Pa., the Neumann brothers played on the same team at Council Rock-North High School, but they had never played against each other.

While Georgetown beat Penn 3-0, Alec Neumann says it was still a fun game because their parents attended the match at Rhodes Field. 

“We grew up playing soccer,” he says, “and it’s an integral part of our life. To play against each other was special.”

Other highlights from Neumann’s season include being named to the All Ivy League second team, winning an Ivy League rookie of the week honor and leading Ivy rookies with 14 points.

I couldn’t have done it without the guys around me,” Neumann says. “It’s easy to play well when you have a good team around you.”