Clocking in the Best

Welcome back to The Clock’s new column, Clocking in the Best. This week we focus in on Men’s Soccer and Women’s Tennis to meet two exceptional student athletes: Erik Armskog and Jenna Sundquist. 

Armskog is from Gothenburg Sweden and is a sophomore here at Plymouth State. He’s been starting at midfield since his freshman year in his #9 jersey. When he’s not down playing on Arold Field, he’s majoring in marketing with an option in professional sales. This season, he’s been a true team player, with six assists under his belt and even grabbing one goal as well. A very dominant offensive player, taking 14 shots, he’s very good at feeding the ball to the front line and getting work done. Get to know more about Erik Armskog: 

COURTESY PHOTO OF PSU ATHLETICS

What made you get into soccer?

“Soccer has been a huge part of my life ever since I was 6 years old. I started playing it with my friends when I was younger for fun and then it just got more and more competitive as I grew up. Soccer is the biggest sport in Sweden and almost everyone plays soccer growing up.”

Why did you choose Plymouth State?

“I chose Plymouth because I wanted a school that offered me everything that I wanted: a great education, good soccer program and amazing outdoors. I believe that Plymouth was the right choice for me because I enjoy living in this environment and I’ve also found opportunities here that I would never be able to find in Sweden. For example, the professional sales program that offers amazing opportunities to its students.”

How has playing soccer in college been for you?

“College soccer in the U.S. is very different to Swedish style of soccer. It’s way more physical and the tempo is very fast. I remember when I played my first game for Plymouth last year how I got taken out with a bad tackle within the first minute. You don’t have as much on the ball as you do when you play in Sweden. Swedish soccer is more about possessing the ball while the American style of soccer is more kick and run, but I’ve gotten used to it. It’s been 2 amazing years representing Plymouth State men’s soccer team and I have definitely developed as a soccer player and a leader. I’m very excited to see what the next two years has to offer in terms of soccer.”

What is your favorite thing about Plymouth?

“My favorite thing about Plymouth is that I’m able to combine my education with playing soccer, which wouldn’t be possible if I lived in Sweden. I would’ve had to choose either playing soccer at a high level or getting a good education. At Plymouth State I can do both.”

What is your favorite thing about soccer?

“My favorite thing about soccer is winning games, there’s no better feeling than being in the locker room with the boys after winning a game. Apart from that, I love to keep the ball. I’ve always been a “ball hog” and that’s why I wanted to become a midfielder because midfielders get the ball a lot and can control the game. When I was younger I never wanted to pass the ball, I wanted to do everything on my own…”

Who is one of your favorite teammates?

“I love everyone on my team, it’s like a second family for me. If I have to pick just one I’d have to say Linus Lindeberg. We were roommates freshman year and flew in together from Sweden. He’s been a part of my journey at Plymouth since day one and we’ve shared a lot of experiences together.”

Who is someone you admire?

“I have two role models, my dad and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I’ve always looked up to my dad, wanting to do the same things that he does. He was playing soccer when he was younger and was very talented. He is also a very good skier and introduced me to skiing when I was only 3 years old. My dad is and has always been a big inspiration for me, both academically, athletically and professionally. He made me get into soccer, skiing and sales! Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the best soccer player in Sweden and one of the best players in the world. I’ve always been admiring him and his style of playing soccer.”

What are three things you’d take on a desert island?

“I would bring a soccer ball for entertainment, a hammock for relaxation, and a boat so I could get off the island.”

What is your dream job?

“My dream job would be to run my own company or work for a big global company. I’ve always dreamt about running my own company and I have a lot of business ideas that I might try to turn into reality someday. I would love to run my own soccer club business and offer young talents an opportunity to grow and develop as soccer players. If not, I would want to work with sales or marketing for a global company, preferably with offices both in Sweden and in the U.S.”

Where do you think you’ll be in 5 years?

“In 5 years I’ll be graduated from Plymouth State, hopefully working with sales or marketing in the U.S. I could see myself working in Boston since it’s an amazing city with a bunch of great business opportunities, so I’d say that I’ll see myself working in Boston in 5 years.”

All the way from Monument Beach in Massachusetts, Jenna Sundquist decided to become a Panther and is now in her sophomore year. She has been majoring in physical education and health during her time here and competing on the courts for our women’s tennis team. Sundquist and her teammates made it to the Little East Conference championship, which took place about two weeks. Sadly, it didn’t end the way they wanted but we got to witness one of the best seasons from the last six years. Sundquist have an outstanding performance this season, going 11-2 in double matches; ending with a nine-game win streak. In her singles matches she has an overall record of 9-5. Get to know more about Jenna Sundquist:

COURTESY PHOTO OF PSU ATHLETICS

What made you get into tennis?

“Both of my brothers played, and I thought I would give it a try because tennis seemed fun.”

Why did you choose Plymouth State?

“I chose Plymouth State because I love New Hampshire and I love the mountains.  I am a big skier and there are so many ski mountains near Plymouth.  I also chose Plymouth because I was able to play tennis here.”

How has playing tennis in college been for you?

“Playing tennis in college has been great so far.  This is my second year playing and I have been in the starting lineup both years.  The team is wonderful, and I have a great time playing tennis with them.” 

What is your favorite thing about Plymouth?

"My favorite thing about Plymouth is the people.  Everyone who attends Plymouth State University is kind, I have not met many people who are mean. "

What is your favorite thing about tennis?

"My favorite thing about tennis is my team.  My team is a family and we all respect each other. I also love how tennis is a lifelong sport, so I can play tennis for the rest of my life.  Another cool aspect of tennis is that it is an individual sport and a team sport."

Who is one of your favorite teammates?

“I don't think I can pick a favorite teammate. All of my teammates are wonderful and we all help benefit the team in one way or another.”

Who is someone you admire?

“I admire my parents.  My parents are very loving and supporting.  They come to all my matches they are able to make.  They are my biggest fans.  They are both very successful and kind human beings.”

What are three things you’d take on a desert island? 

“The three things I would take on a desert island would be a radio, a ball, and chicken fried rice.”

What is your dream job? 

“My dream job is being a Physical Education teacher in an Elementary School.” 

Where do you think you’ll be in 5 years?

“I think I will be teaching Physical Education in an Elementary School somewhere in the United States in 5 years.” 

Both seasons for tennis and men’s soccer have come to an end in the last two weeks. Be sure to look out for both of these athletes next fall as they will be back on the field and court ready for year three in Plymouth State athletics.