By Katy Korstange, Sports Editor  

Former Xavier men’s soccer player and current FC Cincinnati defender Nick Hagglund never expected that his college career at Xavier could lead to the professional level.  

Now, years later, the former Musketeer credits his time at the university with shaping, not only his professional soccer career, but also the leadership and teamwork that defines his Major League Soccer (MLS) career.  

“I chose Xavier because I really liked the culture and the people that were there, and their mission was about not only making you an educated person but about being a well-rounded person,” Hagglund said.  

Hagglund played soccer at Xavier from 2010-2013 under head coach Andy Fleming before he was drafted into the MLS by Toronto FC in 2014. 

When Hagglund first came to Xavier, he played striker. Now, as a professional, he plays center-back. Fleming was one of the first people who recognized Hagglund’s potential as a defender.  

 “A lot of times I was comparing myself to other players or what I could be, and he [Fleming] was like, ‘Just be Nick. Don’t try to be this other player. Be the best version of yourself.” Hagglund said. “I took that advice to heart to be where I am today, and if I didn’t have him as a coach, I probably wouldn’t be playing professional soccer.” 

Hagglund had the most decorated career in Xavier soccer history. He was a part of 31 shutouts as the leader of the Musketeer defense over his four years in the program. He led Xavier to its first-ever NCAA tournament appearances in 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2012, the Musketeers picked up their first-ever NCAA tournament win. He also earned conference defensive player of the year in 2012 and 2013.  

“The program came together. We weren’t very good at the beginning, but when we left, we were the winningest class at the time,” Hagglund said. “So for me, the forging of that group coming together helped me become the player that I am today.”  

Hagglund’s time at Xavier heavily influenced his soccer career even off of the field. He said he came to Xavier for the full experience, not just to play soccer. The Jesuit pillar, cura personalis, remains very important to him even after his time at Xavier.  

“I think a lot of times in professional sports you find yourself looking at individual statistics, but I feel like my idea of being a professional soccer player was never about that. It was about the team culture and the team winning,” Hagglund said. “I feel like that Xavier’s culture of being a well-rounded person and caring about all the people around you influenced me on who I am as a soccer player and who I am as a teammate and to the people around me.” 

Since joining FC Cincinnati, Hagglund has grown into one of the club’s most influential players. On Oct. 21, he made his 180^th start for the team which set the all-time appearance record in club history. As one of the club’s most tenured players, he remains a key veteran voice for the Orange and Blue while continuing to be involved in the Cincinnati community.  

Hagglund was inducted into Xavier’s Hall of Fame in 2020 and still remains a big part of the community at Xavier. He often attends basketball and soccer games with his family. 

“There is something so special about the community that we have at Xavier. I still get to talk to a lot of classmates from Xavier. If I went to a bigger school, I wouldn’t have had those connections,” Hagglund said.  

Reflecting on his time at Xavier, Hagglund emphasized the importance of maintaining the community that shaped his college experience. He encourages Xavier students to embrace those connections, which have remained meaningful throughout his journey from Xavier to the MLS.  

“Continue to be Xavier, be a small community that cares about each other, and that cares about connecting with one another. I think that’s what makes the Xavier community so special,” Hagglund said. 

This article is part of a a multi-article series. The next article will be available Nov. 11.