Former Monmouth Soccer All-Conference selection Derek Luke recently signed with FC Cincinnati of the United Soccer League (USL). MonmouthHawks.com caught up with Luke to find out how the transition to professional soccer is going.

MonmouthHawks.com: How did your Monmouth experience help prepare you for your next step into professional soccer?
Luke: Monmouth helped prepare me for professional soccer very well. The competition day in and day out of training sessions/games made for a very professional environment that helped the transition become a lot easier.

MonmouthHawks.com: How did this opportunity with FC Cincinnati come together?
Luke: As my last season as a Hawk came to a close, Coach McCourt and Coach Hugh really knew I wanted to play at the next level. Fortunately, Coach McCourt and Coach Harkes are close friends because they grew up together and I was able to get invited to FC Cincinnati's invite-only combine that I played well in and got an opportunity from there.

MonmouthHawks.com: What has been the biggest challenge in transitioning from college soccer into the pros?
Luke: The speed of play has probably been the biggest challenge I've experienced from college to the pros. The ball movement is much quicker and the athleticism of most guys is extremely high as well.

MonmouthHawks.com: What are your goals for this season?
Luke: My personal goals for this season are to get adjusted to the entire aspect of being a professional. Just as I was at Monmouth, I just want to improve each and every day I step onto the field and hopefully make an impact for FCC this season.

MonmouthHawks.com: Having completed five very successful seasons at Monmouth, what are you most proud of from your time in the Blue & White?
Luke: I have a few very special moments in the Blue & White. If I was to choose one, it would have to be when I scored a goal against Central Connecticut State as a freshman in the NEC Tournament Semifinal. We then went on to win the NEC Tournament and make it to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. It was a pretty incredible freshman year.