This summer, SLUBillikens.com will feature a Q&A series with former men's soccer players who are currently playing professionally.
The first edition features Robert Kristo, who is playing professionally in Italy. Kristo, a native of Croatia who went to high school in St. Louis, played for the Billikens from 2011-14 and is a three-time All-American. He is 13th on the Saint Louis' all-time points list with 97 points (41G, 15A).
Kristo graduated from Saint Louis University in the fall of 2014 – a full semester early – with a degree in communication. He signed with Spezia Calcio in Italy's Serie B straight out of college, which is unique for a collegiate player to do. In fact, he is believed to be the only collegiate player to sign in Serie B straight out of college.
Tell us a little bit of where your career has taken you since graduation?
After graduation I took off for a tryout in Serie B, and I signed with AC Spezia. I agreed to a three-year deal, then went on loan to few other teams around Italy.
How has your experience as a Saint Louis University student-athlete – in particular a member of the men's soccer program – helped you in your professional career?
The experience was a step that I needed to take to be able to get to the level where I am now. It helped me as a player not only technically and athletically, but also psychologically. My time at SLU has no doubt made me stronger both emotionally and physically.
Looking back on it now, there is absolutely no way I could have skipped college and went straight to the pros. Not only did I improve my technical abilities, but also I gained important life experiences during my time at SLU that I will take with me the rest of my career.
What is the best piece of advice, or memory, from Saint Louis Head Coach Mike McGinty that you sometimes draw back on in your pro career?
I have quite a few for sure, but the most memorable was when Coach McGinty and I were going to one of my tryouts in Germany. We were in a car and he showed me a book he was reading – The Mindset of a Champion. He showed me a quote in that book that I draw back on all the time. The concept of the quote was that you are a champion, so work like one and think like one. When you are at your worst, still know that you are a champion and that anything is possible. You are on the field to be the best and not to be pushed around by others.
Growing up in St. Louis, how important was it for you to play collegiately in your hometown in front of your family and friends?
That was one of the most amazing feelings I've ever had. My mom and dad, friends and just everyone I knew could watch me for four years. I'm so thankful that they were able to watch me grow as a player and person. That is something I highly cherish.
Since you have been away from SLU for a couple of years, what are some great memories you have as you look back on your time here?
Winning – from my sophomore year through senior year we were a team that was used to winning and battling together as a family. I have teammates from SLU that are now my best friends who I talk to on a weekly basis, even when I'm in Italy. The best days of my life were by far those four years in college with that team.
Being as though you are an accomplished player who has had success from youth, to college, to pro – what advice would you give to a young player who has aspirations to play professionally?
There are three things that I like to tell youth players:
1. There are plenty of times someone will tell you that you are not good enough or that you cannot do something – never ignore this! Always take it in and let it feed your fire. Believe in yourself even when no one else does.
2. Be prepared to make a lot of sacrifices in life for committing yourself to this sport. It will take a lot of time and effort to get where you want to go, and sometimes your friends and family won't see you for months at time. But, that is because you chose to follow your dream – never forget what the goal is.
3. Look up to someone and choose a role model. Learn from them and take in their stories. Don't be afraid to ask them questions.
