In this edition of Cougar Corner, we sat down with Fausto Avila, a senior defender from Calexico, California. 

Fausto and the Cal State San Marcos men's soccer squad hold an overall record of 5-8-2 and a California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) record of 3-4-2. 

Q. How has being a student-athlete at CSUSM made an impact on you as a person?
It made me grow and molded me into the person I am today. I think if I wasn't a student-athlete, I wouldn't be as responsible or as mature as I am today.  

Q. Favorite Cal State San Marcos memory?
Going through the years and seeing all the teammates and friends that I have. I know that they'll be friends for a lifetime.

Q. What would you say to someone who's considering coming to CSUSM? 
The environment here is really nice, and the team chemistry is always really good. It's a small school compared to others, but I think it's better. It's really like a family, so you should come here. 

Q. Favorite place on campus?
The soccer field (aka The Cage), that's where I spend the most time. That's where I enjoy myself the most.

Q. How did you get started in soccer?
I've been playing since I can remember. I'm from Calexico, which is far away, and I've been playing club in San Diego and driving back and forth. It's just been a part of me my whole life. 

Q. What kind of music can you be found listening to before games?
Reggaeton. It just hypes me up! 

Q. Do you have any pregame superstitions? 
I always tape my left wrist and write my moms name on it. I wear two socks, and I pray before every game.

Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you during practice or weights?
Hmmmm, I have to think about that one. I would say just tripping on my own feet. 

Q. Favorite part of traveling with the team?
It's so fun. Free food! You're with the team 24 hours traveling. My freshman year we never flew places, so we would take a bus. You're on that bus for about 16 hours for some trips, so you get to learn a lot about your teammates. It's just fun clowning around with your boys. 

Q. Who is the worst singer on the team? Dang, you're gonna make me put them on the spot. I'd say Fabian or Matt. Fabi sings a lot, but it's really bad.
Q. What's your favorite thing to eat? The spicy deluxe chicken sandwich.

Q. What do you love most about soccer?
Being able to express myself and how passionate I am about the sport. It's a team sport, so you have to work with others, and I love that. I don't think I'd be able to play an individual sport just because I know how nice it is to be with a team.

Q. What is your favorite follow on social media?
CSUSM men's soccer. Hey, free advertisement here! I follow a lot of soccer pages. 

Q. What is your favorite show to binge on Netflix?
That 70's Show. 

Q. What song would you say best sums you up?
If I was a song what song would I be? Hmmm, Te Boté by Ozuna and Bad Bunny. 

Q. What makes you laugh the most?
Just enjoying time with my teammates and messing with everyone. 

Q. What would you sing at Karaoke night? 
Probably Te Boté because my teammates would probably know it too and jump in. 

Q. What's the best part about being a Cougar?
I think it ties back to the first question because it made me the person I am today. I've sat down and thought about the options I had, and I couldn't see myself in any other place besides here. I've really enjoyed my time here, and I've learned a lot from different people that have had positive impacts in my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

You can follow Fausto and the Cougars as they head to Cal State L.A. on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m.