DePaul University Athletics
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Brian Schwake
10/7/2020 12:33:00 PM | ATHLETICS, MEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO – This week, we continue our series of feature profiles known as "Where Are They Now Wednesday."
In the middle of each week as we navigate our way around a deadly pandemic, we will bring back a little normalcy into your world reminiscing about some of those favorite Blue Demon players that you cheered on in the days when we could all get loud and rowdy at a packed arena or stadium where no one ever heard of social distancing.
We will get the DePaul community and Blue Demon nation caught up on the life and times of familiar faces who brought you good vibes during their playing days in Lincoln Park.
Some continue to pursue their dream of playing in the pros, both overseas and in this country while others have launched successful careers and started raising a family of their own.
One thing they all share is a deep, abiding sense of kinship and gratitude for the impact on their lives from the DePaul experience and the willing sacrifices of coaches and athletics personnel to kick-start a successful journey while unlocking their vast potential.
We shine this week's spotlight on fomer DePaul Men's Soccer goalie, Brian Schwake.
The Mt. Prospect, Ill. native spent his freshman year with the Blue Demons during the 2019 season and had the opportunity to learn under starting goalkeeper Drew Nuelle. He did not see any time on the field during the regular season but did play against Detroit in a preseason exhibition match and netted five saves. When a once in a lifetime opportunity transpired for Schwake to pursue a soccer career in Europe, Schwake pounced, signing with Livingston FC in March. Schwake actively stays in contact with head coach Mark Plotkin and members of the squad.
How long have you been playing overseas?
It's been about nine months. In Scotland with Livingston FC.
How much of a season have you gotten through?
I was home during COVID earlier and got back here (to Scotland) in mid-June. I had to quarantine for two weeks then got started with preseason stuff. I went out on loan and my first games have just gotten started.
What have been the highlights for you so far in Scotland?
For me, the thing that stands out is being on the bench against Rangers. It was an awesome experience and obviously that's a massive team. The game was on SkySports and it was cool to get that first little taste of being around the team in the dressing room and stuff. It's great to know the opportunity is there and I have to take advantage of it when I get my chances.
What are the COVID protocols that effect your everyday life in Scotland?
We're getting tested twice a day and we have to do temperature checks when we come in. We have to wear masks when we're out and about. They're starting to test bringing back fans but it's definitely very different playing in front of empty stadiums.
What's your living situation in your area?
I'm in a house that the club owns with two other guys on the team. They're really good guys and the house is pretty fun. We just hangout, go to training and do the usual stuff. It's been really nice.
How does the food in your area stack up to food back home?
Honestly, the food in Chicago is better. But the fish and chips over here are really good. Being close to the ocean definitely helps out with that.
What American food do you miss the most?
Oh man, there's a lot. It might have to be Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A sauce is unreal.
What do you now appreciate after being abroad?
I didn't really fully understand the luxury of being so close to home in Chicago and being able to hop on the train and being to see my family. That's not the case for everyone at DePaul, but for me being close to home in the Chicago area.. I don't know if I appreciated that as much as I probably should have.
What are the COVID precautions being taken in public in your area?
Masks are required so you obviously have to keep those on and restaurants are very sectioned off so you can only be close to your little pod. I haven't been out a ton but that's what I've noticed. It sounds like places are only allowing people to be around one or two households because they want to keep containing it.
How do you keep in touch with news and friends back here?
I follow the DePaul accounts on social media and I text Plotty and all of the guys from my class a lot. I like to stay in touch with them. It's a great coaching staff and a great group of guys.
What from your year at DePaul prepared you for your situation now?
One thing that helped me a lot was college making me realize that it's an adult game. Once you get into college you kind of realize that you play for results. You're there to win games and if you're not doing the job you won't really play. That kind of helped me get prepared for when I came over here because it's definitely similar.
What advice would you give to current athletes if they were looking to pursue a career overseas?
I'd just say that hard work pays off. I'd say to keep all of your options open and try not to burn any bridges because you never know who can help you out or which connections lead to opportunities.
In the middle of each week as we navigate our way around a deadly pandemic, we will bring back a little normalcy into your world reminiscing about some of those favorite Blue Demon players that you cheered on in the days when we could all get loud and rowdy at a packed arena or stadium where no one ever heard of social distancing.
We will get the DePaul community and Blue Demon nation caught up on the life and times of familiar faces who brought you good vibes during their playing days in Lincoln Park.
Some continue to pursue their dream of playing in the pros, both overseas and in this country while others have launched successful careers and started raising a family of their own.
One thing they all share is a deep, abiding sense of kinship and gratitude for the impact on their lives from the DePaul experience and the willing sacrifices of coaches and athletics personnel to kick-start a successful journey while unlocking their vast potential.
We shine this week's spotlight on fomer DePaul Men's Soccer goalie, Brian Schwake.
The Mt. Prospect, Ill. native spent his freshman year with the Blue Demons during the 2019 season and had the opportunity to learn under starting goalkeeper Drew Nuelle. He did not see any time on the field during the regular season but did play against Detroit in a preseason exhibition match and netted five saves. When a once in a lifetime opportunity transpired for Schwake to pursue a soccer career in Europe, Schwake pounced, signing with Livingston FC in March. Schwake actively stays in contact with head coach Mark Plotkin and members of the squad.
How long have you been playing overseas?
It's been about nine months. In Scotland with Livingston FC.
How much of a season have you gotten through?
I was home during COVID earlier and got back here (to Scotland) in mid-June. I had to quarantine for two weeks then got started with preseason stuff. I went out on loan and my first games have just gotten started.
What have been the highlights for you so far in Scotland?
For me, the thing that stands out is being on the bench against Rangers. It was an awesome experience and obviously that's a massive team. The game was on SkySports and it was cool to get that first little taste of being around the team in the dressing room and stuff. It's great to know the opportunity is there and I have to take advantage of it when I get my chances.
What are the COVID protocols that effect your everyday life in Scotland?
We're getting tested twice a day and we have to do temperature checks when we come in. We have to wear masks when we're out and about. They're starting to test bringing back fans but it's definitely very different playing in front of empty stadiums.
What's your living situation in your area?
I'm in a house that the club owns with two other guys on the team. They're really good guys and the house is pretty fun. We just hangout, go to training and do the usual stuff. It's been really nice.
How does the food in your area stack up to food back home?
Honestly, the food in Chicago is better. But the fish and chips over here are really good. Being close to the ocean definitely helps out with that.
What American food do you miss the most?
Oh man, there's a lot. It might have to be Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A sauce is unreal.
What do you now appreciate after being abroad?
I didn't really fully understand the luxury of being so close to home in Chicago and being able to hop on the train and being to see my family. That's not the case for everyone at DePaul, but for me being close to home in the Chicago area.. I don't know if I appreciated that as much as I probably should have.
What are the COVID precautions being taken in public in your area?
Masks are required so you obviously have to keep those on and restaurants are very sectioned off so you can only be close to your little pod. I haven't been out a ton but that's what I've noticed. It sounds like places are only allowing people to be around one or two households because they want to keep containing it.
How do you keep in touch with news and friends back here?
I follow the DePaul accounts on social media and I text Plotty and all of the guys from my class a lot. I like to stay in touch with them. It's a great coaching staff and a great group of guys.
What from your year at DePaul prepared you for your situation now?
One thing that helped me a lot was college making me realize that it's an adult game. Once you get into college you kind of realize that you play for results. You're there to win games and if you're not doing the job you won't really play. That kind of helped me get prepared for when I came over here because it's definitely similar.
What advice would you give to current athletes if they were looking to pursue a career overseas?
I'd just say that hard work pays off. I'd say to keep all of your options open and try not to burn any bridges because you never know who can help you out or which connections lead to opportunities.
Players Mentioned
GK
/ MEN'S SOCCER
Goalkeeper
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