By Chris O’Grady

Anyone who has had the opportunity to watch the University of Louisville men’s soccer team play during the last two seasons knows Colin Rolfe can score goals.
The junior forward from Canton, Mich. has scored 15 goals since coming to Louisville, a feat that has garnered him honors as a first team All-American and a spot on the watch list for the Hermann Trophy, given to the top player in college soccer.
“[The awards] are a good starting point for the season and keep expectations high,” said Rolfe. “And it gives me a lot of confidence, as far as what I am able to do.”
According to head coach Ken Lolla, Rolfe’s confidence and competitiveness are contagious; coupled with his tremendous athleticism, this separates him from other players in the nation.
“He is a very competitive kid with a strong desire to succeed that I think rubs off on the team,” said Lolla. “But he is also hardworking, determined and a guy who makes his teammates better.”
Redshirt junior goalkeeper Andre Boudreaux agreed that Rolfe is the team’s go-to scorer, who allows the other players to keep calm when the team is in need of a goal.
“He’s obviously very talented and scores lots of goals, which is the hardest thing to do in soccer,” said Boudreaux. “But more importantly, everyone on the team has confidence in his ability to come through.”
While Rolfe’s soccer skills and ability to find the back of the net have been consistent his entire career, everyone seems to agree that this year Rolfe has a new weapon: maturity.
“Colin’s greatest improvement since he has been at Louisville has been in the personal categories,” said Lolla. “He has matured evidently in his work ethic, his discipline and responsibility – that can be seen on the field and in the classroom.”
Rolfe agreed, noting he has seen marked maturity in himself since he first came to U of L.
“I’ve matured in big ways, like how I view my life and how I act in different situations,” said Rolfe. “And Coach Lolla has had a huge part in that. He truly knows how to inspire young men.”
Boudreaux thinks the maturity Rolfe has learned over his time here has helped him improve, both on and off the field.
“What I’ve seen is that he has really matured as a player, and not just soccer-related,” said Boudreaux. “He is much more confident in the things he does out there.”
Though Rolfe has always been a leader for the Cardinals statistically, he has not previously embraced the role off the field. He now thinks his work with the team’s freshmen may be a key to the Cards’ success.
“My role as a leader I’ve felt has really improved over the last two years,” said Rolfe. “Now that I’m an upperclassman, I feel like I’m more able to lead and to guide. And I think a big part of that will be acclimating the freshmen. How well they meld will go a long way to our success.”
Lolla sees the maturity most in Rolfe’s actions as a teammate, where his pedigree as the team’s top scorer gives him credibility with younger teammates.
“Colin is a good teammate through his example on the field and his encouragement to other players, but also through his wisdom, experience and competitive fire,” said Lolla. “Those things make him a valuable leader.”
Boudreaux is excited to see how Rolfe grows into his leadership role.
“Colin is a great teammate,” said Boudreaux. “He’s real laid back, relaxed and fun to be around. And I think he is growing into his leadership role as he gets older.”
For Cardinal men’s soccer, which was picked to finish second in the Big East, their hopes may lie on Rolfe’s ability to continue his growth off the field while continuing to be a scorer on it.
“My goal for Colin is to get better every day he is in the program, both on and off the field,” said Lolla. “I know he is going to create goals, both for himself and for his teammates.”
For now, those wondering what the future holds for Rolfe may be forced to be patient. Rolfe says his thoughts are on accomplishing the team’s goals for this year.
“I want for this team the best in what we’re working toward this year and for the future,” said Rolfe. “But my focus is not as much on what is to come, but more on what is right in front of me.”