Each week the USF Varsity Club and GoUSFBulls.com will feature a Varsity Club Alum of the Week highlighting their experiences in college and professionally, in addition to what they are currently up to. This week's feature highlights former USF men's soccer player Jeff Cunningham. Cunningham is one of the best goal scorers in Major league Soccer history - coming into this season fourth on the leagues all-time goals scored list - and is is currently fifth in MLS in scoring this season. Jeff's hometown is Crystal River, Fla. and he currently for FC Dallas. During his stellar MLS career, Cunningham has spent time with the Columbus Crew, the Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC in addition to Dallas.

The purpose of the Varsity Club is to encourage past USF athletics members to be lifelong members of the USF Athletics family and to strengthen the bond between them, the University, and the department of intercollegiate athletics. The Bulls Varsity Club will strive to provide its members with the opportunity to foster and maintain relationships across different sports and generations thus promoting the interest and mission of the University of South Florida.

To become a member of the USF Varsity Club contact Kemel Thompson at (813) 974-7180 or by email at kthompson@admin.usf.edu.

Varsity Club Website

Jeff's Major League Soccer Player Page

What was your best experience at USF?
"I would have to say that my best and most memorable experience as a student-athlete at USF was winning the 1996 Conference USA Championship."

What have you been doing since your USF days?
"Well, I have been pretty well traveled playing professional soccer throughout the United States in Major League Soccer. I have had the opportunity to see some wonderful places and have really enjoyed each club that I have played for and city that I have lived in."

How do you feel USF soccer prepared you for your career?
"My four years going to school and playing soccer at USF were crucial in my development at a professional player. My time at USF taught me a lot about life and how to be a good pro. I was extremely fortunate that I had a good coaching staff to play for, especially with my head coach Logan Fleck."

What is the difference between playing in college and playing professionally?
"Boy, that's easy. The speed of play is so much faster at the professional level. Obviously the talent level is a big improvement, but the speed of some of the guys that we have the opportunity to play against is amazing."

What is your major achievement so far in the Professional soccer league?
"I would have to say that my biggest accomplishment so far during my professional career was leading the league in scoring in 2006 (Cunningham came into this year's MLS season fourth all-time in goals scored) and being among the league leaders this season as well. I have to say, however, that one accomplishment still eludes me ... the MLS Cup. I want that before my career is over."

What do you miss about the program?
"I miss the family atmosphere. In college we played because we loved the game and our team was like a family. We would play for each other. At the professional level, we obviously still love the game and love playing every day, but it is strictly a business, a job."

Was there anyone who influenced you during your USF career?
"There was not really one person that that had an influence on me during my time at USF, there were several people. Everyone in the academic enrichment center looked after me and made sure that I was going to be successful. They made sure that I got my work done. I was the first person in my family to go to college so it was very important for me to succeed. Also, my head coach, Logan Fleck had a huge influence on me in college. Coach Fleck took and chance on me and had faith that I would be successful."

What are your thoughts on the USF soccer program now?
"The program has definitely improved and is going in the right direction. I had the chance to follow them last year during their run in the NCAA Tournament. They have done a great job recruiting and dipping into a very good talent pool."

What do you see yourself doing after you retire from the MLS?
"I would like to stay involved in soccer by coaching and to stay in sports in general. I'm not sure at what level but I'd like to coach at some point."

Who was the best player you have ever played against?
"Wow, there have been so many. A few years ago we plated Real Madrid on there home field and they beat us easily, 6-1. The best player I have ever played against I would have to say is Rinaldo. He wasn't even at his best in that game and he was just amazing."