Steven Lenhart

San Jose's high-scoring, outspoken striker talks NBA heroes and coaching at age five.

Lenhartsteven_isi_mlsdf060411102_qlead Don Feria/isiphotos.com

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?

I was an assistant coach for my older sister’s youth soccer team. My dad was the head coach and I was the assistant coach, but I was only five years old. It was a lot of fun.

WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?

I loved watching Nick Van Exel [the former NBA point guard].

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.

Lenhart has yet to suit up for the U.S.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?

I always admire someone who works hard day in and day out.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?

It’s hard to watch guys being soft and not giving their all.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?

I try not to take any days off and I always give it everything I have.

WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?

I would like to improve my finishing around the net.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

My college coach, Phil Wolfe [at Azusa Pacific University]. He was really inspirational, knew the game well, and poured a lot of time into me and my development as a player.

WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?

I have a few, but Robbie Rogers [who I played with on the Columbus Crew] is a great friend.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?

I won the High School California Interscholastic Federation State Championship, as well as being named the most inspirational player on that team.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?

In college my team lost two national championships before we won one in my final year.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?

It’s about making relationships. Wins and losses happen, but the stuff that matters is making friends.

WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?

Adam Moffat. We played in Columbus together. Also probably Guillermo Barros Schelotto when I was playing for the Crew. And of course, playing with Wondo now.

WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?

Any MLS game is pretty tough; it’s pretty draining and exhausting.

IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

I would probably be riding a motorcycle in Africa or Mexico.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?

Knowing that you gave your very best day in and day out and being satisfied knowing that.

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AmericanSoccerNow.