Wave hopefuls in Milwaukee for soccer team tryouts

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- They came from Wisconsin and in Nigerian Kennedy Ihenacho's case, around the world -- with a dream to make the Milwaukee Wave professional indoor soccer league team. Last week's Wave tryouts meant everything to Shawno's Mark Mallet.

"When I was six, my first grade teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I said I will be a professional soccer player. I've been out on the field every single day. It would mean more to me than the world," Mallet said.

Odaine Sinclair's father was a pro soccer player. He came to the U.S. looking for a better life. He believes the sport has helped him become a better man.

To his credit, Sinclair owns a college degree from Baker University in Kansas. One of their former famous alums is Packers Coach Mike McCarthy.

"He's awesome. He's got a smooth personality. Very chill, calm," Sinclair said.

Vaughn Spurrier grew up playing soccer in Cleveland, Ohio. He took his gifts and talents to Temple University, where he somehow found time to earn a degree in biophysics.

"I like to be challenged. A lot of people think science is very rigid. To solve complex problems takes complex solutions," Spurrier said.

Spurrier offers more when it comes to trying to keep his emotions under control relative to his soccer dreams.

"It's kinda a war between the nervousness and trying to stay calm as well," Spurrier said.

the great things that i make will help people's lives -- better their lives in the short term and long term

As it turned out, the Wave would have offered Spurrier a contract, but the future biochemist has another year of school and college eligibility.

"The great things that I make will help people's lives -- better their lives in the short-term and the long-term. Athletics and academics -- if one doesn't work out, I've got the other," Spurrier said.

Wave Coach Keith Tozer says he could be in a Wave uniform soon after finishing school.