How did you come across the UNITED school of sports?
Through the organization of the ZSC Lions and my teammates who were already a bit older. At the age of 14 or 15, I started thinking about what I wanted to do in the future. One thing was clear to me: I wanted to continue playing hockey, regardless of what happened. I sat down with my parents, and together we considered the best option to receive a good education while still being able to play as much hockey as possible.
Various options were discussed, such as Minerva or different sports-friendly businesses. Ultimately, I chose the UNITED school of sports. This decision was also influenced by many conversations with my teammates, many of whom believed it was the perfect option to combine passion with education.
Is it possible for every athlete to attend the UNITED school of sports, or are there certain admission criteria? (If yes, what are they?)
To attend the UNITED school of sports, certain requirements must be met. For example, you need a Swiss Olympic Talent Card and a recommendation from your club.
The club recommends you and provides information about what you need to submit with your application (Talent Card, letter of motivation, and a handwritten letter about yourself and your sport). Afterward, you are invited for an interview, which takes place first without and then with your parents. Later, you receive a letter informing you whether you have been accepted or not and whether you have received a subsidy (a place subsidized by the canton) or if you would have to pay for it yourself.
What characterizes the UNITED school of sports compared to public vocational schools or other private schools?
The UNITED school of sports is much more flexible when it comes to schedules. Additionally, there is a focus on providing good support to students, including conducting a so-called athlete interview with the sports coordinator every semester. Of course, you can perfectly combine sports and education. For example, you can attend the club's morning training sessions or have the option to be excused from class for training or games that take place during school hours. Teachers have a lot of experience with athletes and can handle us well, showing understanding and always trying to find a solution to simplify the organization between school and sports for us athletes.
How did the employment at smzh come about?
When we started applying, we received a list of partner companies of the UNITED school of sports. After researching, I decided to apply to smzh. I put together my application documents and applied as quickly as possible. I was invited by smzh for a first and later a second interview with a trial half-day, where I got to know the company more closely. I vividly remember being on the bus to Geneva for a game when I received a call informing me that I got the apprenticeship. I was naturally very excited about that.
The apprenticeship lays the foundation for your entire life. What would you like to achieve; what are your goals – professionally, athletically, and privately?
Athletically, my goal is to become a professional ice hockey player, and my biggest dream is to play in the NHL someday. Professionally, I aspire to eventually lead my own company or team. My personal goal is to start a family someday.
You chose ice hockey as a sport at an early age. What was your main motivation for that?
I started at the age of six. Witnessing what one can achieve with teammates and exclusively as a team, and realizing that no matter how good you are, there's always something you can improve, motivated me to continuously learn new things or enhance my existing skills.
What were your greatest successes?
Winning the U14 cantonal selection league with Zurich against other regions in Switzerland. The selection for the U15 team. Last year's bronze medal win with the U17 Elite team of the ZSC Lions was very emotional, especially during the playoffs. It included a spectacular and close series against Zug, which we won in overtime in Game 5. Then, the elimination in the semifinal against Langnau (0:3) and subsequently the third-place game, which we won in the Zurich derby against Kloten with a score of 5:1.
What has sports, in general, given you for your professional and private life in your young years?
Regardless of how good you are, there is always something to work on or someone who can do it better than you – so there's always room for improvement. Sports taught me to be a team player and showed me that together, you can achieve more than alone.
What are your current activities, and what are your future ambitions?
I am currently playing in the U20 Top team of the ZSC Lions. My next goal is to advance to the U20 Elite team and subsequently join the GCK Lions, competing in the National League B. Ultimately, I aim to fulfill my dream of becoming a professional athlete and playing for the ZSC Lions.
Do you actively participate in other sports?
Not actively, but in my free time, I enjoy playing basketball or tennis.
