Completed Event: Men's Soccer at Columbia on October 11, 2025 , Win , 2, to, 1
Final
Men's Soccer
at Columbia
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1
Sophomore Summer: Men's Soccer's Kota Sakurai
6/26/2019 1:06:00 PM | Men's Soccer, Athletics
Throughout the summer, DartmouthSports.com will be focusing on members of the Class of 2021 who are currently in their "Sophomore Summers" presented by Cape Air.
This installment focuses on Kota Sakurai, a native of Yokohama, Japan, and a member of the Big Green men's soccer team.
DartmouthSports.com: What have you been doing during your sophomore summer?
Kota Sakurai: I've been spending time with my family, hanging out with friends and training everyday.
DS: What is your favorite place on campus?
KS: Burnham Field. It is one of the best fields I've ever played at.
DS: What was it in the recruiting process that sold you on Dartmouth?
KS: The fact that Dartmouth is an incredible academic institution and has a great soccer program sold me on coming here. I also loved the small-school feel of Dartmouth.
DS: Other than your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life?
KS: My grandmother. She's always been supportive, given me advice and helped me to become a better person.
DS: What has been your best on-field memory thus far in your Dartmouth career?
KS: The best on-field memory for me was winning the Ivy League in 2017. Also, winning the Ivy League at Burnham Field made it more special.
DS: What show do you binge watch?
KS: The Office. It is the best show I've ever watched, and I can watch it all day.
DS: Do you have a nickname on your team? Who gave it to you and why?
KS: Everyone calls me Saku or Saches. I don't know who came up with these names, but I kind of like them.
DS: You step outside tomorrow morning and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million (after taxes). What would you do with the money?
KS: If I win $10 million, I am buying as many soccer cleats as possible, and my family and I are going on a trip to Northern Europe. I would then save the rest of the money for the future.
DS: What are your post-Dartmouth plans?
KS: Become a professional soccer player.
DS: What would be your best advice to your 15-year-old self?
KS: Study hard, train hard, keep chasing your dream and never give up.
This installment focuses on Kota Sakurai, a native of Yokohama, Japan, and a member of the Big Green men's soccer team.
DartmouthSports.com: What have you been doing during your sophomore summer?
Kota Sakurai: I've been spending time with my family, hanging out with friends and training everyday.
DS: What is your favorite place on campus?
KS: Burnham Field. It is one of the best fields I've ever played at.
DS: What was it in the recruiting process that sold you on Dartmouth?
KS: The fact that Dartmouth is an incredible academic institution and has a great soccer program sold me on coming here. I also loved the small-school feel of Dartmouth.
DS: Other than your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life?
KS: My grandmother. She's always been supportive, given me advice and helped me to become a better person.
DS: What has been your best on-field memory thus far in your Dartmouth career?
KS: The best on-field memory for me was winning the Ivy League in 2017. Also, winning the Ivy League at Burnham Field made it more special.
DS: What show do you binge watch?
KS: The Office. It is the best show I've ever watched, and I can watch it all day.
DS: Do you have a nickname on your team? Who gave it to you and why?
KS: Everyone calls me Saku or Saches. I don't know who came up with these names, but I kind of like them.
DS: You step outside tomorrow morning and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million (after taxes). What would you do with the money?
KS: If I win $10 million, I am buying as many soccer cleats as possible, and my family and I are going on a trip to Northern Europe. I would then save the rest of the money for the future.
DS: What are your post-Dartmouth plans?
KS: Become a professional soccer player.
DS: What would be your best advice to your 15-year-old self?
KS: Study hard, train hard, keep chasing your dream and never give up.
Players Mentioned
MF
/ Men's SoccerSaturday, November 08
Sunday, October 26
Sunday, October 05
Thursday, September 18
