Solid. If there is one word to describe junior defender Matt Oliver, it is "solid." At 6 feet, 180 pounds, his build is solid. As a member of last season's All-ACC second team, his play on the soccer field is solid. Off the field, his character is as solid as they come.
To hear Oliver speak of it, he didn't come to Virginia expecting to emerge as a regular fixture at central defender. With a small shrug, he says he picked Cavalier soccer because he "played with most of the guys in [his] class on a youth National Team or some other level." He came here as part of a team, one of the guys, not expecting to break through as one of the leaders of a premiere soccer program.
The University's academic side must have appealed to him as well. Currently a third-year Education student, Oliver aspires to be an elementary school teacher.
"I like kids," Oliver said. "I like working with them. I want to be able to teach."
It is not all that difficult to picture Oliver in front of a classroom giving out assignments to his students. He basically does that already on the soccer field. After all, organization is a main focus for any team.
As a center back, Oliver must direct his defense and midfield during games and especially during set pieces. And, like a teacher setting a goal for his students, Oliver keeps one for himself and his defense: "Keep the ball out of the net."
But his desire to become a teacher does not mean he is anything close to being a softie. His mere physical presence is enough to give any forward pause. Combine this with his leadership abilities and skill at reading the game and you get what Virginia soccer coach George Gelnovatch describes as "all the ingredients to be a big-time center back."
And while Gelnovatch isn't thinking of next season just yet, Oliver just might have to be the one to step in as the Cavaliers' main center back once senior defenseman Jonathan Cole graduates. Then again, this poses no problem for Oliver, as he is already a leader on the team.
It would not be a big step for him to fill a more commanding role along the back line. Though his coach describes him as a natural leader on the team with "impeccable character," Oliver remains humble. He is quick to say that he is not the leader of the team, only in some respects is he a leader out of many on the Cavalier squad.
It is certain that Gelnovatch and the rest of the Virginia team can rely on Oliver's presence next season. Though leaving the University early to go pro has shown fruitful for former Virginia players like Ben Olsen, Chris Albright and most recently Kyle Martino, Oliver will remain in school.
Oliver concedes that he would consider a professional career if the opportunity arose after graduation, but admits that he is in no hurry to leave.
"I'm getting a good education," Oliver said. "In the end, I'd have my masters and would be able to teach."
Actually, it works out well that Oliver is enrolled in a five-year program. Having sat out his freshman year while nursing a leg injury, Oliver's remaining school years coincide with his years of eligibility. This means two more years of his looming presence in defense. Two more years of his organization skills. Two more years of his leadership abilities.
"It's scary to think he has two more years of eligibility," Gelnovatch said.
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