Written by Danielle Murray '11

"It was definitely a dream to play college sports and Albertus gave me that opportunity." says Victor Crespo '00, a former Albertus Magnus soccer player who graduated in 2000. After choosing to attend Albertus for its small atmosphere and soccer program, Victor pursued his dreams of playing college soccer and created a legacy for himself with the Falcons' soccer program.

In the fifth grade, Victor began to play soccer, and followed his dream to play in college. His motivation came from his parents, who taught him that hard work allows dreams to fall into place.

In 1996, in his freshman season, Victor played in 19 games where he scored seven goals and had two assists for a total of 16 points. It was during his first year that the Falcons' won the GNAC Tournament title in the GNAC's second year in existence.

Later in his career at Albertus, he set the program's single-season record of 18 goals as a senior in 1999. Victor was named captain of the team his senior year, and was also named to the GNAC's All Conference First Team.  As a forward and midfielder, he played with current Falcons' head coach, Jim Bernardo under former head coach George Bedocs. He finished his college soccer career with 35 goals, 84 points and 14 assists.

This year, senior Jamal Howard surpassed Victor's single-season goals scored record against Lasell on October 10. During the 2011 season, Howard registered 50 points and 22 goals. Throughout his career, Howard has recorded 52 goals and 119 points.

"I think it's great. Jamal's a great kid and he's very humble. I was actually there when he broke it and I talked to him for a few minutes about it." He continues, "It's good that things move on and he had a great year."

Victor states that soccer has always been a large part of his life.  "I'd say it's been a pretty big part as far as the life I live now. I'm still hanging out with the same guys I was when I was playing back in my days."  

During Victor's time at Albertus, he also played tennis, where he was the number one player on the team all four years. He finished his senior tennis season with a 10-5 record. He majored in Sociology with a minor in Communications while attending Albertus.

Victor is now a sales manager at Goodway Technology in Stamford, Connecticut.