Our "Once an Eagle" series, presented by GEICO, features American University graduated student-athletes from across all of our sports. We're checking in on their lives and success stories since leaving AU. Like all of us, our alums are also dealing with a new normal in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This edition of "Once an Eagle" features men's soccer alum Colin Zizzi. He's a 2010 graduate of the Kogod School of Business with a bachelor's degree in business administration with specializations in international finance and accounting.

1) Please share your current professional situation (employer, job title and duties)?  

I currently work as a Certified Financial Planner in Mechanicsburg, Pa., for an independent financial advisory firm called Comprehensive Financial Associates.  I help individuals and small businesses with financial planning and investment management.  I work with several current and former professional and collegiate athletes, helping to manage their personal finances.  
 
2) How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you (personal, professional, overall goals/outlook)?  

Personally, COVID-19 has forced me to slow down a bit and evaluate what's really important in my life.  My wife and I have two toddlers, 16 months and almost 3 years, and I have been able to spend a lot more time with them the last couple of months.  I was working from home for almost six weeks and this was definitely a challenge with two young ones, but we managed (my wife's a saint) and I am now back in my office.  Professionally, periods of uncertainty, like we are currently facing, are when advisors need to be there the most for their clients.  I have been increasing communication with clients and helping them to make smart decisions during this difficult time.  I am optimistic we will come out the other side of this crisis stronger, and hopefully with a little more compassion for one another.  

3) How did your participation in AU Athletics aid in your personal and professional paths following graduation? And today?  

Learning to find a balance between academics and athletics was the best preparation I could've asked for following graduation.  During the first two years of my career as an advisor, I was still playing professional soccer for a club in Harrisburg near where I live today.  I would never have been prepared for the commitment it took to balance the two careers simultaneously without the experience I had in college.

4) What is your most fond memory of AU Athletics?  

We were so fortunate to have a really close group of guys in my class that connected well from day one.  My favorite memory is going through Senior Day with these guys and all their families that we had grown so close with.  A lot of us still keep in touch almost daily.  

5) What would you say were your greatest athletic and academic accomplishments during your time at American?  

My greatest athletic achievement at American was starting every game my senior year and being named our team's MVP. 

Academically, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Madrid between my junior and senior year.  While in Madrid, I helped develop a syllabus for a Sports Marketing class focused around soccer.  In spring of my Senior year, the program coordinator in Madrid flew to DC and helped me present the course to the AU Abroad Director.  The course was formally approved by Kogod for several semesters for international business and marketing credit.  I was able to return to Madrid after graduating to work as a teaching assistant for the course for over a year.  This turned into a truly life changing experience for me and I was able to continue my soccer career for a local professional club in Madrid.  

6) What do you miss most about American University?  

My teammates. We had such a close-knit group of guys and I miss seeing them all the time.  

7) What advice do you have for current AU student-athletes?   

Be willing to put yourself out there and take on new challenges.  Take full advantage of all the resources that American and the D.C. area have to offer.  For me, the going abroad experience was life-changing and I would recommend any student-athlete go abroad for at least a 6-week course over the summer. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinzizzi/