Athlete Spotlight: Walaeddine Hounane

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

Salem, Mass. - This week our athlete spotlight focuses on men's soccer player Walaeddine Hounane from Salem, New Hampshire.  

Hounane talked about the strong start to the season as the Vikigs have compiled a record of 3-1-1 over the first two weeks of the season. "I think we have had good results in terms of our record. Obviously, we took a tough loss to Suffolk in our second game of the year, but I know that our team is strong. We have some very talented players and have what it takes to win the title this year. We got the wins we needed, but I can speak for every single one of us when I say that we have a lot more to show and we always expect more of ourselves." 

The New Hampshire native transferred his sophomore year to Salem State, a place he always wanted to go to. "I was at Rivier University my first year, but had a torn ACL and decided to come to Salem State after I had fully recovered since it had been a program I had been wanting to be a part of since high school."  

He mentioned the decision to come to Salem State was a no-brainer, especially after the great success that the men's soccer program has had, including winning the MASCAC championship as recently as 2017 and 2021. "Coming out of high school, I had many offers to play at different schools, but then I had gotten injured and decided to recover at River. I think Salem had my eye from day one though. Seeing them win championships and making appearances in the NCAA tournament. It was just something that I wanted to be a part of and contribute to one day, so it was an easy choice for me."    

The junior soccer player talked about how he can change the outcome of a game when he is playing on the field. "I learned that it's much easier to settle into the game when you ease into it. Rather than trying to make a big play straight off the bat. So, getting into the rhythm of the game, and then when the opponent is caught off guard, you change it up on them and they can't really stop that."   

Hounane, who is currently studying Health Care Studies, talked about the differences between going to practice and getting locked in before a game. "Going to practice every day has just become regular to me so there's no real routine I would say. I get whatever treatment I need done and try to have a productive day, each day. For games, I like to focus and listen to music beforehand, to get in the zone. I like to envision myself making big plays and just lock in to make sure I make an impact and also help the team to win."  

In respect to non-conference games and how it helps the team prepare for conference games, they are pivotal for Hounane and the Vikings to make a run in November.  "We make sure that we include tough teams into our non-conference schedule so that it makes us better and prepares us for conference games. So, I think every opponent we face gives us an opportunity to learn and better ourselves for the next game and also help us figure each other out more on the pitch and build our team chemistry."  

He discussed the pros and cons and how grateful he is for the privilege to play soccer at this level. "Definitely a lot of pros. We are privileged to be able to play at the collegiate level. There are so many people who wish they could be in this position so we don't take any of it for granted. Enjoying the bond you build with your teammates and coaches while playing the game you love every day is something that anyone would ask for while in college. For cons, I'd say obviously staying organized and staying on top of your schoolwork and outside life, but you just have to find a balance and once you do it becomes pretty routine."  

He stated a few of his idols that he looks up to. "Players I look up to in soccer would be the ones that I would want to build my style of play around, so I'd say Kylian Mbappe, Thierry Henry, players like that who are quick and electric and able to take players on with speed."     

A pro athlete, he would love to meet is Cristiano Ronaldo. His dad is his biggest inspiration. He began playing soccer with him as soon as he started to learn how to walk with.    

He wants to deliver a message that he has for the youth who want to play the game of soccer. "Have fun playing the game. Remember that you started playing because you enjoy it so never let that love die out."