Take a moment to recall your departure for college. As an 18-year-old, there were so many uncertainties racing through your head: Is this school right for me? Will I survive without mom and dad around? Can I make new friends? The list is endless and it's not only the student who departs with consternation, but parents and families feel the anxiety as well.

Now put yourself in the shoes--or soccer cleats--of Matt Watson. A native of Redditch, England, he was recruited by many schools for his outstanding ability on the soccer field. There are always numerous hurdles to negotiate as an international student coming to the United States, but Watson's were made more difficult because of the last-minute nature of his decision to attend UMBC.

His parents were determined and confident that things would work out. And did they ever: Matt was just named America East Conference Rookie of the Year, Midfielder of the Year and a First Team All Conference member.

"I was really happy, I couldn't believe it really,? said Watson. "I think at the moment I found out, I thought about my parents because they went through so much to get me here. They were really proud of me.?

Watson scored four goals and added nine assists to finish third on the team with 17 points. His assist total was remarkable--the nine "helpers? in 17 games is currently the fifth-best figure in the nation and set a UMBC freshman record for assists in a season. He earned one America East Conference Rookie of the Week (October 18) honor, and scored game-winning goals in league wins over Maine and Hartford.

"I was pleased with my play, but there is room for improvement,? said Watson. "Away from home, I did not play as well, and we didn't play as well as a team. But for my first season, I thought it was a good start.?

Watson doesn't think there are huge differences between English "football? and American intercollegiate soccer. He thinks the officiating is somewhat different, as more free kicks are awarded on this side of the Atlantic.

"I like it here a lot. The campus is great-?The Commons is amazing and places around Maryland, like the Inner Harbor, are nice as well,? said Watson.

It probably didn't hurt that countrymen Marcus Gross and Matt McGowan were already at UMBC and experiencing a great deal of success on the field and in the UMBC community. According to Watson, it has been a real team effort.

"Everyone on the team gets along well,? said Watson. "I really didn't know what it would be like, but everyone has been really friendly and helpful. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have had a good as time as I've had?it has been easy to make friends.?