Photo Courtesy of AUM Athletics
The Story of Temi, an AUM soccer player
By: Victoria Salters
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria where vibrant culture and the love of soccer are deeply connected, a young talent named Aristarchus Oluwatuyi, known by his teammates affectionately as Temi was born.
Temi’s passion for soccer began at an early age. Nigeria, Temi’s home country has a rich history in soccer. According to the All Nigeria Soccer website the Nigerian national football team played its first international match against Sierra Leone in Free Town on October 8, 1949, nearly 50 years before this Auburn University at Montgomery senior was born.
When asked how he first became interested in soccer and what motivated him to pursue it in the US he said, “When I was young, I initially had an interest in boxing. But I would always see the footballers playing down the street from my house. I remember I would stay outside for hours watching and admiring them play.” He said over time he developed an interest and decided to join in on playing soccer. “Eventually I stopped boxing and started attending tryouts, and those tryouts brought me here to America.”
Upon arriving in the U.S. Temi quickly adapted to his new environment. Prior to attending AUM, he played soccer for Lewis University, a small college located in Romeoville, Illinois. As expected, he was one of their standout forwards. However, the transition from the streets of Lagos to the structured and rigorous college soccer regimen was not without its difficulties. When asked to describe the typical day in the life of a student-athlete Temi said, “It really does take a lot. I’m a very busy person. I start my day with God. I pray and then I have work at 8 a.m. followed by class and practice.” Outside of soccer, Temi is majoring in kinesiology which is a field that aligns with his interest in sports. His interest in majoring in kinesiology peaked when he suffered a knee injury before coming to AUM. “Had I not gotten the help from physical therapist I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today,” he added.
Balancing the strict schedule of college athletics and academics is demanding both physically and mentally. According to a 2020 NCAA student-athlete well-being study, 46% of college athletes reported feelings of being overwhelmed by their dual responsibilities. Despite those findings, Temi feels that the busy schedule he takes on is worth it to reach his goals. When asked about coping with his busy schedule he said, “There are days when you have high expectations, and you must give it your all. He explained further, “We’re busy but we’re all for it. That’s why we’re here. So why not?”
In addition, Temi has found inspiration in professional athletes who have managed to turn their dreams into a reality. When asked who was a soccer legend or team that has influenced his playing style he said his favorite player is Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese soccer player. He said, “Growing up he (Ronaldo) had a lot of struggles so personally I can relate to it.”
Similar to Ronaldo, Temi has an impressive soccer record of his own. In 2022 Temi helped the Warhawks reach the GSC semifinals and tied for the team lead with six goals, played in 17 games and scored two game-winning goals according to the AUM Athletics portal: Aristarchus Oluwatuyi – 2023 Men’s Soccer Roster – AUM Athletics.com (Aristarchus Oluwatuyi – Men’s Soccer. When asked about what impact he hopes to leave on the soccer world Temi said, “I think the biggest legacy anybody can leave is to be an inspiration to people.” He explained further, “I hope when people look and me and my playing career here at AUM and professionally they can be inspired. I want to push through, you know, be the reason for their strength and for their courage.”