The ETSU men’s soccer team is off to a good start this season, especially for freshman player Rayhan Carlson-Du Toit of New Zealand. New on the team as a striker, Carlson-Du Toit enjoys the company of his teammates and is excited for the season ahead.  

“I love my team,” Carlson-Du Toit said. “Honestly, I would have been a lot more homesick if it wasn’t for my teammates. I think they’re all so very caring… They’re really slow with me, because this is a total culture shock to me… Everyone’s just been really helpful. And no one’s like, if you need a ride to Walmart or Kroger or whatever, no one’s gonna say no.”  

Contributed/ETSU Athletics

When Carlson-Du Toit familiarized himself with the team and the Johnson City area, he knew it was the right choice for him. He connected with a fellow player from New Zealand and fell in love with the team. 

The campus and surrounding area have also been new and exciting, from the food (Chick-Fil-A is his favorite) to the breathtaking scenery. “Tennessee is beautiful. I like the mountains. It reminds me of back home,” he said.  

Carlson-Du Toit started playing soccer at the young age of five, when his father enrolled him in a soccer club. He went on to play competitively, becoming a top goal-scorer in the U19 ISPS Handa National Youth League in 2019.

Today, he practices nearly every day with a focus on improving head shots and his strength and conditioning. He also looks forward to eventually playing in the NCAA championships.  

While also majoring in biology, his academic decision was made with powerful motivation.

“Ever since I was little really, I always knew I was going to be something to do in the health sciences department,” said Carlson-Du Toit. “Ever since my grandma fell sick, I always just thought I could do something better than what the doctors were doing to treat her. So, I thought maybe nobody else would have to go through what I went through, and my family went through.”  

Men’s head soccer coach David Casper believes in the potential of Carlson-Du Toit.

“He’s a very technical player; he’s good with the ball at his feet. In and around the box he’s pretty creative where he can get away from defenders and get shots off,” Casper explained. “He’s a good kid. He likes to have a laugh, he’s a good personality, very outgoing. He’s been a great teammate so far to the rest of the guys.”  

You can see him in action at ETSU’s next home game on Sept. 10, against Lipscomb University at Summers-Taylor Stadium, at 7 p.m.