Get to Know Tuesday: Ivan Mykhailenko

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University men's soccer team brings 17 returners and 10 newcomers to the 2020-21 squad. Throughout the offseason, we will be getting to know an Owl each week leading up to the first spring game. To kick the series off, we will be getting to know senior striker Ivan Mykhailenko.

The Kyiv, Ukraine native is coming off his inaugural year as an Owl, leading the team in goals (7), points (17), shots (34) and game-winning goals (3). Mykhailenko was named to the All-Conference USA Second Team and was tabbed C-USA Offensive Player of the Week following a five-point performance in the Owls' 3-1 victory over Florida Gulf Coast. He was also tied for third in goals and seventh in points in the league rankings.

Q: When did you start playing soccer?
A: I started playing soccer when I was 7.

Q: What was your most memorable moment from last season?
A: My most memorable moment from last year was my first goal for FAU against a highly ranked school [No. 17 James Madison]. I was able to score a game winner and [help FAU] get a victory five minutes before the final whistle.

Q: You were one of the top scorers in the league and an All-Conference selection last year. How are you going to build on that success going into this season?
A: I want to use my last year's success as an additional motivation to score more goals, become a top scorer and bring my team wins.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals? If so, what?
A: I used to have some pregame rituals, but a couple of years ago, I abandoned them because they just made me more stressed. Now, I'm just enjoying the process.

Q: What are your hobbies besides soccer?
A: Any other sports and I love the NBA specifically and watching it on the regular, [playing] guitar and filmmaking.

Q: Describe your quarantine experience.
A: My quarantine was good. I had a lot of time to improve my fitness by running consistently. Also, I was able to devote a lot of time to my hobbies, such as reading and playing guitar.

Q: Favorite food?
A: I don't have a favorite meal, but Italian cuisine is my favorite.

Q: Why is FAU the best?
A: FAU is the best because I'm living in Paradise.

For complete coverage of FAU men's soccer during the offseason, follow us on Twitter (@faumsoccer), Instagram (@faumsoccer) and Facebook (FAU Men's Soccer).

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