Oliver Greer still has vivid memories of the first time he saw Onondaga Community College and the surrounding area. The native of Newtownards, Northern Ireland had seen New York City but never traveled upstate. "I remember riding up Onondaga Hill and seeing all of the houses and thinking it was like something from a movie. It was much different than New York City which was very touristy. This feels like home for me now."
The opportunity to play college soccer in the United States brought Greer to OCC, and he found much more than what he was expecting when he arrived on campus. "The facilities here are beautiful and you can use them anytime you want, and the athletic trainers take care of you. The other colleges and the high schools here, they are all beautiful. You don't get that back home."
While working toward his degree in Physical Education & Fitness, Greer became an important member of the campus community. He served as Student Ambassador, giving tours to prospective students and their family members. He also volunteered at the Counseling & Community Care Hub, and worked at the on-campus YMCA."I wanted to be productive with my time. I wanted to keep busy and make connections and friends."
As a member of the Men's Soccer team he found he fit in right away thanks in large part to the number of international players on the team. "It definitely is nice to integrate with other cultures, to think you have other lads here with you that are going through the same thing. We're 3,000 miles from home, we're here to play soccer, and we have cultural references we can all relate to. It's pretty nice."
Greer had a strong first year and was named team captain for his sophomore season. He also excelled as a member of the Lazers Track & Field team where he competed as a sprinter in three events.
Greer will complete his degree in the spring and is beginning the process of reaching out to four-year schools. His goal is to continue competing in soccer and track & field while earning his bachelor's degree. "I don't think coming here could have worked out better. I made some great friends, some amazing memories I'll remember forever, I definitely made the right choice."
