Andrew Real: Professional Timbers soccer player turns in cleats for computer science

By AUDREY ANDERSON Sports Contributor

For most athletes, it was an average work day: play the game, get the win, and impress the fans.

But to one, it was special.

Playing his first professional game, Andrew Real was ecstatic and determined to dazzle the watching fans.

The ringing of the whistle started the game, with players passing to one another and backbending shots firing at the goals.

Real faced down his components, denying their aggressive advances and skillfully plucking the ball out from the players’ feet, leaving them to sulk in embarrassment.

Then everything went black.

Laying on the field, clutching at his leg as sharp dagger-like pains possessed his body, Real, who had dedicated his whole life to soccer, could only think of one thing: What's next?

Real began playing soccer recreationally in fourth grade while living in Japan. He was initially born in California but moved immediately to Japan as his dad had a mission for the navy, which kept him posted within the country.

Soccer being one of the most popular sports in Japan, Real was introduced to the culture early on and wanted to join the lively and passionate scene.

Real looked up to players such as Shinji Kagawa and Maya Yoshida, prominent Japanese soccer players known for their hard work and commitment.

Real hoped to follow in the footsteps of his heroes and become a fantastic soccer player by having the grit and the determination needed to become one of the greats.

"I had some family issues growing up, (which) was a huge factor making mewant this career even more … I was so committed to being the best, and it was a way for me also to avoid the family issues I had," Real said.

During the fifth grade, Real realized that he had a passion for soccer and began to play more competitively, having caught the eye of multiple coaches.

Fabio Dos Passo, currently coaching at FC Barcelona and who coached Real during his time at FC Gifu, described Real as "a hard-working individual who thrived for success," and, "a responsible player that took the game seriously."

Real's big break came when he was

By MAGGIE AKINS Sports

During her five year tenure, Madi Dagen accomplished personal bests, made memories to last a lifetime, and experienced mental health that just about every college student and athlete endures.

“We made history, we beat teams we shouldn’t have beat, and the atmosphere in Gill [Coliseum] was like something I’ve never experienced before … It was so much fun,” Dagen said.

signed to the Portland Timbers, playing as a center-back from July 2017 to September 2022.

Many friendships were made while Real played for the Timbers, including a friendship with Davis Sargent, who played with Real on the same team in 2017-2018 and is now playing for FC Schalke 04.

"(We) had strong chemistry because he played center back with me," Sargent said. "The best experience I have with time and body, Real was finally allowed to play his first professional game, but disaster struck mid-game as he suffered a catastrophic injury.

Tearing both his medial collateral ligament, meniscus, and dislocating his kneecap, Real's professional career ended just as it had started. His career with FC Gifu only ran from December 2022 to January 2023.

Passo was crushed when Real was injured. "I was very devastated for him," Passo said. "I was under the impression that he was

Faced with the end of his soccer career, Real was determined to push forward and start a new chapter of his life.

"Even though I have committed to soccer for most of my life, it is important as well that sometimes even when you have worked

Dagen has been one of the most beloved athletes at Oregon State, as the crowd would always cheer for her extra loud when she came out of the tunnel, or as little kids would wait by the exit to get her autograph.

That also has something to do with the love that Beaver Nation gives to its athletes, which is something that she touched on.

“It’s been awesome to see Beaver Gym evolve into this, not underdogs anymore … now it’s like, ‘No, we're the top of the top,’” Dagen said.

Gymnastics is all about perfection, and perfecting your routines. Sometimes it’s not going to come out the way you want or the year isn’t going to come out the way you want. There’s always going to be a performance that you don’t want.

Dagen said one piece of advice she would give to younger gymnasts is that sometimes you need to remind yourself how cool you are because most people cannot do what they do.

When getting the itch for the goal of going to college gymnastics, you work day and night for it. Committing hours of your life to be able to get there. Dagen did that and it went by in a blink of an eye.

In her experience, freshman year and her last year were her most impactful.

For one, her freshman year the team went to nationals. That performance made Dagen want to come back and keep improving

He is currently a freshman majoring in computer science and hopes that once done with college, he can excel in his career much

Real's dad had heard of Oregon State's reputation with engineering and urged his son to go, knowing his passion for computer science. Many friends also convinced Real to choose Oregon State, saying it was a great Real now immerses himself in the college community and culture by joining intramural sports, meeting new friends within his major, and attending a few Asian-

Real said that soccer has taught him many important things, determination, teamwork, and much more which he has now applied to his new "Going back to all of the things I've learned … I couldn't have been more grateful for the person I am because further.

“Every year has its own special thing,” Dagen said.

Like her freshman year, this last season for Dagen was something special for her. There of course is always something about your last year, but for Dagen, her growth within her confidence and mental health excelled.

When going to college, and when you near the end, you often reflect on your first year and your last year.

“This is going to sound cheesy, but it really is true to just not take things too seriously and don’t stress the small stuff, because at the end of the day, it literally goes by in a blink,” Dagen said.

This is where the topic of graduation can start to get sentimental because it means you