Santiago Digiuseppe, an improving sophomore midfielder, looks to make a bounce-back season this year for the Dons. Digiuseppe suffered an unfortunate injury at the end of last season that  would not hold him back from any success this season. The 2015 true freshman is looking to improve his college career even further for his sophomore year.  

Digiuseppe, born and raised in San Clemente, Calif., started in 13 of his 17 appearances last season. The 2015 2nd-team ALL-WCC honoree is expected to pose an immense threat to opposing teams in the midfield this season. In his freshman year, Digiuseppe was able to compile two goals along with two assists, while also being named to the WCC All-Freshman team.

Now, as one of the up and coming young stars for this relatively veteran team, Digiuseppe looks to make a statement for himself this season to try and become a true leader in the future for Eddie Soto's squad. Digiuseppe and the Dons (3-1-1), play at home to take on Cal State Fullerton on Friday at 7 p.m.

"Know Your Dons" is an ongoing feature on USFDons.com designed to personalize the student-athletes of the University of San Francisco - meet #7 Santiago Digiuseppe.  
 

Student Life
Favorite spot on campus (other than athletic facility): The church and the grass area in front of it
Favorite class (why): Business statistics because Olivia Mah
Hardest class: Transcendence in film and fiction
Favorite place to study on campus: Study Hall
Balancing the demands of school and your sport: Not too bad if you stay on top of it
What experience made the biggest impact on you in the classroom?: Realizing that working hard and getting a good grade is a great feeling
The best thing about USF is: My teammates and living in the best city in the world
What does "Change the World From Here" mean to you: Leaving a legacy behind that sets the standard for everyone to be the best person they can be on and off the field

Pop Culture
Favorite TV show: Peaky Blinders
Favorite movie: Step Brothers
Last book you read: Goal: The Dream Begins
Favorite singer or band: Gucci Mane
What's on your iPOD: Old ASAP Rocky and Wacka Flocka Flame

Team
Top skill: Hitting zingers
One thing you are always working on: Getting better and helping the team get better
One skill of one of your teammates you wish you had: Marcos's 50 yard rip
Pre-game rituals or superstitions before events: Listen to music and visualize myself having a good game
Funniest teammate: David Polsen
Favorite (name of coach) saying: "Where else would you rather be?"- Eddie Soto
Favorite bonding moment with your team: Pushing prowlers until everyone threw up

Sports
Sports teams I follow (Favorite sports teams): FC Barcelona
Favorite athlete: Lionel Messi
Favorite athletic memory: Winning 3 team game every time
Biggest sports thrill: Celebrating Goals
My second-best sport: Me and Sean Bowman are an unstoppable synchronized swimming team
Sport I'm the worst at: Baseball
Earliest sports memory: Being too scared to play my first soccer game ever because the other team's name was the "Sharks"
First sport you ever played: Soccer

Food and Travel
Favorite meal: Steak and Mashed potatoes
Favorite ethnic cuisine: Argentine bbq
Favorite snack food: PB & J from the re-gen room
Guilty pleasure: Takis
Least favorite food: Onions
If I had to cook all of my meals, I'd survive on: Chicken and Pasta
Who is the best cook on the team: Noah Leong
If stranded on an island, what would you bring with you: Food, Water, and Hunter Ashworth
Most interesting place you've ever visited: China
Place you'd most like to visit someday: Thailand
Favorite place in San Francisco: Hayes Valley
Describe your perfect day in San Francisco: Hanging out with all my friends in Golden Gate park on a sunny day

This and That
Hobbies: Skateboarding with my friends
Early riser or night owl: Somewhere in between
Something people would be surprised to know about me: I don't surf
Person I'd most like to meet: Diego Maradona
Role models: My Dad
My parents were right when they said: Do your homework or else you won't get into college
Things I collect: Coins so I can do my laundry
In 10 years, I'd like to be: Happy and successful
If I could trade places with someone for a day, it would be: Lionel Messi, of course
Pet peeves: Dirty dishes
Cats or dogs: Dogs
Best advice you've ever received and who was it from: Don't give up what you want most for what you want now - Dad
Describe your perfect day: Winning a WCC title

In your own words, describe the student-athlete experience at USF (athletics, academics, social life, city experience, social justice, rewards, challenges, etc.): Making lifelong friends while doing something you love in the best city in the world