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Before this year, Daniel Larsson had never been to Michigan. He had only visited the United States a couple times growing up.<\/p>\n
Yet Larsson was eager to take a leap of faith by moving to another country to continue his academic and athletic career. He left his home in Lommedalen, Norway, to study at University of Detroit Mercy, where he is a freshman Business Administration major and a defender on the men\u2019s soccer team.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mainly chose Detroit Mercy because I felt it was the best school for me to combine my athletics with my academics,\u201d Larsson said. \u201cI felt this school really fit me well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Several factors went into Larsson\u2019s college decision. He wanted to attend a university that wasn\u2019t too big, but was close to the city. Having things to do around campus was important. And, of course, he wanted to play soccer.<\/p>\n
Detroit Mercy checked all of those boxes, and Larsson is relishing the experience so far.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been really good, actually,\u201d he said. \u201cI really enjoy how my day-to-day life is going right now, with school in the morning and then practice at night.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adjusting to life in another country isn\u2019t always easy. There are differences, Larsson says, but overall, the transition has gone well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like I\u2019ve made a lot of friends and have become really tight with the things around the University and community, and all the places around Detroit,\u201d he said. \u201cDetroit does not have the greatest reputation around the world, but it\u2019s actually pretty nice. It\u2019s much different than what people say.\u201d<\/p>\n
Larsson appreciates Detroit Mercy\u2019s Jesuit and Mercy values and how the University is \u201copen to other religions as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a Titan student-athlete, Larsson spends extensive time at Calihan Hall and Titan Field. His favorite spot on the McNichols Campus, though, is the Titan Dining Room, where he can get a bird\u2019s eye view of the fountain.<\/p>\n