DePaul University Athletics
Behind the Bricks- Nick Bolte
11/29/2011 12:00:00 AM | D CLUB
Nov. 29, 2011
Our new weekly feature "Behind the Bricks" allows DePaul letterwinners a chance to tell the DePaul community a little bit about themselves, a brief reflection on their time as a Blue Demon student-athlete and where they have gone since stepping off the court, field or diamond.
This feature was renamed "Behind the Bricks" to coincide with the dedication of the John and Dale Melbourne Herklotz Letterwinners Plaza and Champions Courtyard. With the plaza filled with 3,800 bricks representing DePaul's student-athletes since 1926, each brick has a story. "Behind the Bricks" will allow letterwinners to tell their "DePaul Story".
Name: Nick Bolte
Sport(s): Men's Soccer
Years Participated: 1991-1994
1.What does being a DePaul Letterwinner mean to you?
It means I have been added to the rich tradition and history that defines DePaul University Athletics. Having earned the letter 'D' represents and acknowledges the tremendous efforts and sacrifices made as student-athletes, by focusing on career, and a sincere dedication to social, academic, and athletic development.
2.Why did you choose DePaul?
During my initial recruiting visit I simply fell in love with the diversity of people and personalities in the city of Chicago, and was instantly attracted to the electric environment surrounding the DePaul campus. The limitless opportunities and possibilities appeared to me right away, and the atmosphere in Lincoln Park and Downtown was truly refreshing and inviting and presented itself as a place where I could grow tremendously as an individual and amongst the community. The fact that DePaul Soccer had definite and specific needs at the time, and the prospect that I could make my impact and presence known immediately, was just icing on the cake. I knew right then that DePaul was also the right match for me!
3.What was your favorite memory while at DePaul?
Scoring the first goal in our first game my freshman year against Bradley University and culminating my senior year by becoming the Demon of the Year representative and captain of the Winningest Team in DePaul Soccer History. This is a record which still stands today.
4.What did receiving a scholarship from DePaul mean to you?
I'm eternally grateful for the invitation and opportunity to have played collegiate soccer at the highest level, along with gaining an incredible academic experience from a top University, all the while with the full support and faith from my coaches, athletic staff and advisors, teachers/professors, and the backing of such a prestigious institution. Thank You DePaul.
5.What was your funniest memory at DePaul?
The funniest is not fit for print. But I recall a time after a training session at Grant Park my senior year...our Head Coach, John Barrett, noticed and directed our attention to a man walking nearby. He was a small, wrinkly-skinned old man, wearing nothing but a pair of tight cut-off shorts, belly hanging over, sporting a super nice tan and sunglasses, and blinged-out with this enormous chain necklace. Coach giggled a bit and hollered out to us, "Look Fellas,there's Nick in a few years!" We all shared a pretty good laugh then, but in my own defense, I don't even like cut-offs, I prefer and am wearing a much longer pair of mesh shorts right now! The rest is pretty much spot on though. Ha...Good Call, Coach!
6.Brief Summary of your life from graduation till now:
I continued my playing career briefly in Detroit and then back in Chicago. I also coached at Mt. Carmel H.S. and Benedictine University in Lisle. I directed my own Soccer Camps throughout Chicagoland as well during those years. Life decisions then guided me back home to my native KC in late 2000, where I began employment with Sunlife Systems Midwest, and I was again able to recall and use the knowledge base i gained from my dual minors in Business Management and Administration while at DePaul. Today, I currently serve as Vice President with Sunlife.
7. Is there a recent highlight that you would like to share with Alumni and friends of DePaul Athletics?
My Family is my highlight. I married the love of my life, Nicole, in early 2008. The following year we were blessed with our first child, daughter Shay (now 2). Shortly thereafter, we were surprised by our doctor's unexpected anouncement that we were going to be rapidly adding to our family and in July of last year our boy-girl Twins, Ty and Mia, were born into the world. Life itself, these past few years, has been a series of highlights and 'firsts' for all of us, and we are truly enjoying every moment!
8.What advice would you give to a current or future student-athlete?
Use each moment as an opportunity to improve every aspect of your being and have fun with it! Be honest and take action daily. Balance is the key. Enjoy the journey and be grateful for your many abilities and blessings, and use those gifts to help others. Represent yourself, DePaul Athletics, and the entire University proudly. Set yourself up for future success!
Favorites:
Travel destination: Antigua, but any sunshine will do!
Books: The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz
Author: John Grisham
Movie: Gladiator
Sports movie: Rocky I
Quote: "Don't count the days, make the days count." - Muhammad Ali