Evan Nesterak - Real Class of 2005

Where did you go to college and did you play soccer for the college?
I played for Swarthmore College

Please share a quick bit about what you are up to?
Originally from Parker, I currently live in Prague, Czech Republic. I work as a science journalist. I founded and serve as the editor-in-chief of Behavioral Scientist (behavioralscientist.org), a digital and print magazine focused on exploring the world through the science of human behavior. I also work with author Dan Heath as a researcher for his book projects. Previously, I helped lead the Mindset Assessment Project, an initiative designed to bring rigorous psychological research into the world of sport, where we conducted research with the US Soccer Federation. I also worked with Angela Duckworth at the University of Pennsylvania on character development research. And I coached youth teams and clinics at Real for a few seasons!

Favorite Food?
Pierogies

First concert you went to and where?
Goo Goo Dolls - Red Rocks (cringe!)

When did you come to Real Colorado?
U13

Favorite Movie?
Dumb and Dumber

What team did you play at for Real Colorado?
Real Colorado '86 National

Who were some of the coaches your remember?
Lots of great coaches! Lorne, Neil, Jared, Russ, Sean, Herman.

What is a best memory(ies) at Real Colorado?
Winning regionals and playing at the National Championships. Nothing like doing it in Colorado. It was an amazing way to cap off our club careers.

What do you view as the most important qualities you learned as a player that apply to your current life?
Hard work and high performance go hand in hand. I also learned the impact a coach can have. My experiences inspired me to spend time coaching youth teams, as well as doing research in sport psychology and performance after that.

If you could go back in time and talk to yourself when you first started playing, what advise would you give?
Enjoy the opportunity to play the sport you love. Practices, games, tournaments are all a gift. Take a moment to savor it! There was nothing I would have rather been doing than playing soccer with the guys—training sessions, 8v8, summer pickup, winter at the bubble—any time and any place! The joy of playing the game you love with people who share your passion is something special.

What is a key life lesson you learned from playing soccer at Real Colorado?
The importance of challenging yourself against the best. Whether it was in training or in games, getting a chance play with and against the best, learn from them, and try to improve. It was a foundation for learning how to improve in life and work, after soccer was over.

If you are interested in contacting Evan and finding out more about is professional journey he’d welcome the conversation! evan.nesterak@gmail.com