Name: Tony Jouaux Position: Midfielder Height: 5’9
Weight: 160 Lbs Birthday: 11/13/1985 Hometown: Auxerre, France
Last Club Played For: A.J.Auxerre, France (Youth academy)
Professional Experience: Research in Exercise Physiology and Strength and Conditioning coach
College: University of Burgundy (Undergraduate student) and University of Louisville (Graduate student)
Getting to know Tony...
Pregame Superstition: No superstition because it’s not going to change the game.
What is your favorite move on the field: The “Jay-Jay Okocha dribble” I first saw this dribble in the 1998 world cup Nigeria against Denmark. Come to the game… I always try to do it when I’m facing a defender.
Favorite pre-game meal: I eat at least 3 hours before a game and I avoid food for the last 2 hours preceding the game. I like eating pasta, ground beef and fruits before a game.
What is your most memorable soccer moment: As a player, victory against Lyon in a tournament with Auxerre when I was 13 years old playing with Sissoko (Juventus). As a soccer fan, I have two memorable moments: France winning the world cup in 1998 and Auxerre winning the French cup in 2005 against Paris Saint Germain and Ronaldhino! Auxerre was down by 1 with ten minutes left. Cisse and Boumsong scored for a 2-1 victory at the “Stade de France”!!! Yes ! Get it !!!!!!!
Who was your favorite coach and why? I’m working with the greatest coaches (Big East staff of the year 2009): Kenneth Lolla for his ability to pursue his life with high standards in everything he does. Brian Maisonneuve is tremendous when analyzing technical and tactical soccer situations. Jeremy Proud is simply the best goal keeper coach in the country. They all have an important impact in my personal development as a man and as a strength and conditioning coach.
What would you recommend to young players who want to become a professional athlete?: Two advices: First: Play soccer as much as you can, spend a lot of time with the soccer ball.
Second: Becoming a professional athlete is an everyday commitment toward what you want to achieve.
Best part about being a professional athlete: The best part is playing in front of the Louisville Lightning fans. They are unbelievable, it’s fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!
Favorite music group/artist: My favorite album is Parachutes from Coldplay. I have another one… French pop with Saez. He is brilliant.
Favorite movie: ‘Life is beautiful” from Roberto Benigni. Outstanding movie! “The diner game” French movie… it’s hilarious, you have to watch that one!
Hobbies & Interests: Reading, playing guitar, writing down in my journal and cooking fresh food just bought at the farmer market make me extremely happy!
Watching soccer games is something I enjoy as well. With the world cup coming, June is going to be a wonderful month and I feel that France can win the world cup even without using the hands… Go France for this summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A “funny human trick” you can do: Touching my nose with my tongue! What a gift!!!!!! It’s not very useful but at least I can do it!
Someone you would like to meet: I would work for Arsene Wenger or Jose Mourhino. I would go for a coffee with Anderson Cooper. I would play guitar and sing with Jack Johnson. I would go shopping with David Beckham.
Favorite quote: “In soccer, the direction and the timing of the run are more important than the velocity of the run.” From Thomas Reilly. For young soccer players, learn when and where to run on a soccer field is fundamental!
Where is your favorite vacation spot? Corsica. That is a French island. Beautiful beaches and wonderful people!
Biggest thrill in soccer: Some minutes or seconds left on a lightning soccer game, the score is tied and we score the winning goal in the last minute to qualify us for the play-off!
