Novi native, Ryan Kobakof, returns for his second season with The Mighty Oak
“I’m focused on contributing to the team, winning the league, and I’m extremely motivated to make a deep playoff run. We have to go one game at a time, and prepare prepare prepare. Big year for The Mighty Oak.
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Ryan Kobakof is thrilled to be back with The Mighty Oak for the club’s 2017 campaign.
The midfielder from the University of Michigan earned some crucial minutes in big wins for the Wolverines this past fall and he’s hoping to make and even bigger impact for AFC Ann Arbor this summer.
Kobakof spent the 2016 season with Ann Arbor helping secure a playoff berth in the club’s inaugural season in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).
When asked about his favorite memory from last summer, Kobakof said it was the win at Kalamazoo that secured their postseason fate, adding, “Our fans made the trip, and everyone played their part to get that win. It was at that point that I truly realized how much soccer means to this community, and that our hard work paid off.”
Hoping to do just as he did with Michigan this past season, Kobakof will look to earn more minutes and play and even bigger role in the 2017 summer run for The Mighty Oak.
“Earning those minutes in some big Michigan wins was incredible and left me wanting more. I’m never settling. Hats off to the guys this year, as it was a full team effort in each game. I want to have an immediate impact with the Mighty Oak this year. I’m hungrier than ever to contribute, and do not take representing this city and its devoted fans lightly. We’ve got a bunch of talent with the returning roster. I’m focused on contributing to the team, winning the league, and I’m extremely motivated to make a deep playoff run. We have to go one game at a time, and prepare prepare prepare. Big year for the Mighty Oak,” said Kobakof.
Kobakof looks to press in a friendly against San Marino in July 2016
Head Coach & Sporting Director recognizes Kobakof’s drive to compete and continually improve adding, “Ryan is a welcome returner. He has made a lot of progress as an individual player, so we are excited to see him fit into our 2017 plans. His technical proficiency is high end and he is eager to prove himself.”
He’s played the role as ‘the man’ in the middle since his days at Novi High School, where in 2014 he earned All-State Dream Team honors. And as Kobakof has since elevated his competition, his level of play continues to rise accordingly as well.
Kobakof can’t hide his excitement to be returning to The Mighty Oak in 2017 adding, “I am super excited to be here for the summer. How could you not love this place! The people are awesome. The town itself offers so much activity. You’ve got Bandemer Park to float down the river, you’ve got downtown Ann Arbor with great shops, and most importantly, awesome food.”
Read the full interview with Ryan below:
AFC: We have a lot of returning players coming back from the 2016 roster including yourself. What does it mean to be on the pitch with guys you're not only familiar with but friends with? Also, off the pitch, you all became pretty close- what do returning guys like yourself have to do for some of the new guys to help them get acclimated?
Ryan: There is nothing better than being on the field with guys you become really close too off of it. Chemistry is huge in soccer. It’s that feeling that the 10 guys next to you have your back, as well as the staff, the players ready to impact the game from the bench, and the fans, all contributing together to make the team tick. You as a collective piece to the puzzle make up the team. Returning guys like myself need to bring a feeling of togetherness into the team from day one. For me, it starts off the field, and quickly makes its way onto it. It’s banter in the locker room, it’s grabbing quick bites to eat with the guys, it’s little inside jokes you develop with your teammates. From there the relationship really begins. From those experiences you prove time and time again that you have eachother’s backs on the field. That is done through hustle, genuine hard work, and pushing each other in practice to get the best out of everyone. AFC welcomed me with open arms last year, and I am forever thankful for that. The culture they instilled in me, one of unity, is one that is important to be passed on to the incoming guys.
AFC: As a University of Michigan player you're pretty familiar with Ann Arbor- how excited are you to spend another beautiful summer in A2? What are some of your favorite things about the area? Fav spots? Are you part of the welcoming committee for out of town guys?
Ryan: Ann Arbor really is a great city… although I may be a little biased. I am super excited to be here for the summer. How could you not love this place! The people are awesome. The town itself offers so much activity. You’ve got Bandemer Park to float down the river, you’ve got downtown Ann Arbor with great shops, and most importantly, awesome food. I’m a food junkie. Although it kills me to say it, the restaurants here put up a pretty good fight to my mom’s cooking (sorry mom). I’d say my favorite spot is the Arb, as it is an awesome park with great scenery, ideal for a good run. My favorite restaurants are Mister Spot’s, Maize and Blue Deli, and Frita Batida’s. If you haven’t tried those places, I highly recommend them!
AFC: This year you broke into Michigan's line-up and earned significant minutes in a couple of big wins. What kind of impact are you hoping to make with The Mighty Oak in 2017?
Ryan: Earning those minutes in some big Michigan wins was incredible and left me wanting more. I’m never settling. Hats off to the guys this year, as it was a full team effort in each game. I want to have an immediate impact with the Mighty Oak this year. I’m hungrier than ever to contribute, and do not take representing this city and its devoted fans lightly. We’ve got a bunch of talent with the returning roster. I’m focused on contributing to the team, winning the league, and I’m extremely motivated to make a deep playoff run. We have to go one game at a time, and prepare prepare prepare. Big year for The Mighty Oak.
AFC: What was your best memory from 2016?
Ryan: 2016 was an awesome year, and I really am thankful for the opportunity I had to play for AFC Ann Arbor, and am excited to have that opportunity again. My favorite memory from 2016 would be our win against Kalamazoo taking us into playoffs. Our fans made the trip, and everyone played their part to get that win. It was at that point that I truly realized how much soccer means to this community, and that our hard work paid off. I can’t wait for the 2017 season to begin!
About AFC Ann Arbor
AFC Ann Arbor completed a very successful inaugural campaign in the Midwest Region of the National Premier Soccer League finishing 2nd in the conference while earning the club’s first playoff berth. The club’s third season kicks off in May as The Mighty Oak look to continue their winning ways under Head Coach Eric Rudland. Youth, General and Premium Memberships for Season Tree can be purchased here.