The Eagle skinny: Tyler Back

By KEVIN BOILARD

The University of Mary Washington men’s soccer team won 12 games last season en route to a bid in the Capital Athletic Conference championship, thanks largely to the play of sophomore goaltender Tyler Back.

Back, a business major from Falls Church, Va., snagged 82 saves last fall while posting an impressive 1.13 goals against average. The rangy, 6-foot-3-inch keeper of the cage was an integral part of the Eagles’ success.

This week, Back told the Bullet what life is like when he’s not between the pipes.

Biggest pet peeve: “My biggest pet peeve is definitely being woken up in the middle of a nap,” Back said. “I love taking naps during the day, so this actually happens a lot more than I would like it to.”

Most desired superpower: “The ability to stop time. Although, if I had this power, I would probably use it just to catch up on sleep more than anything else.”

Greatest off-field accomplishment: “My greatest off-field accomplishment would have to be getting into UMW.”

One thing most people don’t know about Back: “Sea turtles are my favorite animals. I don’t even know why, but they always have been.”

Biggest fear: “Being stuck out in the middle of the ocean. I am terrified of drowning, and feeling extremely helpless at the same time would only make it worse.”

Favorite class at UMW: “I can’t really think of a favorite, but if I had to pick a front-runner, it would be political science with professor Emile Lester. I always enjoyed attending that class and found the material very interesting.”

Ideal pre-game meal: “I don’t usually like to eat before games, so I guess my ideal pre-game meal would be some eggs and a bagel for breakfast.”

Hero in life: “I have never really had a ‘hero’ in life, but since I’m a huge Redskins fan, I think I’m going to have to go with the obvious answer and choose ‘RG3.’”

Favorite actor/actress: “Mila Kunis hands down. I love almost every movie she is in.”

Dream car: “I have never really been into cars, so I guess something fun like a new Jeep Wrangler.”

Favorite hobby: “Outside of soccer, my favorite hobbies are playing basketball, football and video games.”

Most memorable moment from 2012 season: “Beating Salisbury, 1-0, in overtime at their place in the CAC semifinals.”

Goal for 2013 season: “Making the NCAA tournament and beating York.”