Jakub Zmaczynski signs with the Graceland University!

You are the next Panthers player who will have the opportunity to develop his career (and not only) in the USA - will you reveal some details about the transfer to Graceland University?

I have been in touch with the coaches from Graceland since the beginning of February this year. It all started on Twitter when one of the long-range rating coaches posted that he had contact with several schools that were looking for players. I wrote a comment with my data and a link to a video with the best actions of the previous season, as did several thousand other players. Soon after, six universities contacted me. After a few interviews, four presented specific offers. I liked the offer and the program presented by the Graceland coaches the most.

What was the admission process like? Were the experiences of Mateusz Wojakiewicz and Panthers coaches useful for you when recruiting?

Of course, I had to wait until May for my high school graduation. In the process, I also wrote the SAT, which was necessary for my admission to universities. I also set up accounts on several platforms and sites that were required for players and international students. I was in touch all the time with Mateusz Wojakiewicz, who answered many questions and helped me in many matters. From this place I would like to thank him, the coaches, teammates and all those who were involved to some extent in the preparations for the trip.

We know you're doing great in sports, but tell us about your beginnings - where did your interest in football come from, how did you come to the Panthers?

I have been fascinated by America in some way since I was a child. Once upon a time there was a football game played on some sports channel and even though I didn't understand anything, it interested me. Sometime later, when I was 16, I came across several Facebook teams that were recruiting. Unfortunately, at that time I was not able to commute 120 km for training myself. The topic returned a year later, I got the "green light" from my parents who support me to this day, I got on the train and went to Wroclaw for junior recruitment in Panthers. That's when it all started.

Football is not everything - tell us what do you do during the breaks from lifting weights and hunting quaterbacks?

I spend my free time with my family and friends. If the weather is good, I ride a motorcycle. I spend the rest of my time playing video games.

Do you have any training secret? Is there something you pay special attention to during the preparation for the season?

I think the only training secret is my commitment to my goal so far. I pay particular attention to the appropriate preparation of sensitive points in order to reduce the risk of injury as much as possible. By taking small steps, I try to reach the level represented by the best players in the team.

Finally - one piece of advice that you would give to anyone at the beginning of your sports adventure.

It is not worth giving up when something does not work out and when there is an idea or an opportunity, it pays to try - there is nothing to lose. It is also important to remember that to achieve much, you have to give even more.