One of eight new signings this season, Darian McCauley penned his first professional contract with Charleston after a stellar four-year career at Millersville University. The 6’3″ goalkeeper gives us a glimpse into his life off the pitch, from surviving on a desert island to his go-to karaoke song. It’s all Darian in this week’s Behind the Black and Yellow.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: York, Pennsylvania
Q: What is one thing you must have when traveling?
A: A great music playlist. I love music and I love listening to any type of music ranging from country, to rock, to hip hop; and I enjoy finding new songs. Whether I’m driving or flying, a good playlist always sets the mood and the vibe for that trip.
Q: What would you be if you weren’t a professional soccer player?
A: If I wasn’t a professional soccer player, I would love to be a professional surfer. I love the beach and being out in the water is the best. Over the summers I lived in Bethany Beach, Delaware, and I would be out in the water constantly. I’m not the greatest surfer in the world but I’m sure if I was playing less soccer, I would take the time to try and perfect my surfing abilities.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Charleston so far?
A: I absolutely love the community of Charleston! The people around here are wonderful and extremely friendly. Since I’ve signed here, I have had people helping me around town and going out of their way to check in on me to make sure I’ve been settling in well. It’s also great that I’m near the water and the beaches. I’m excited to meet more members of the Regiment and other people around town…as well as getting to the beach more.
Q: Who is the best dancer on the team?
A: Phil has some moves even though he doesn’t show them too often! Rennico also has some pretty good dances though.
Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: It would definitely be the ability to fly like Superman. I would love to travel by flying, plus I would save a lot of gas money that way. How cool would it be to go out on a fly instead of a walk or run?
Q: What is one thing that is overrated?
A: The whole “Whipped Coffee” trend. By the time I’m finished making it, I wouldn’t enjoy it that much. Plus, I like my coffee black. No cream. No sugar. I think I’ll be keeping it simple and not hopping on that trend.
Q: What is the best purchase you have made so far this year?
A: I haven’t purchased too many things this year, but I would probably say the best one was my plane ticket down here for my trial. Without that, I would not have been down here and had the opportunity to sign here!
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: My biggest pet peeve is when people make too much noise with their mouth when they’re eating. I don’t like hearing people chew too loud or slurping something. I don’t know what it is and I know it’s a little silly, but it’s something that gets under my skin.
Q: Who takes the most selfies on the team?
A: Oh, AJ for sure. Man is always on his phone and when we go fishing he will be taking selfies while we’re out there.
Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A: My family has been my greatest inspiration. Everything I do is to try and make them proud. My parents, siblings, and grandparents have always been extremely supportive of me in everything that I do. I certainly would not be where I am today if it was not for all of them.
Q: Who is your favorite soccer player of all time?
A: Gianluigi Buffon. He’s one of the best goalkeepers of all time, if not, the best goalkeeper of all time. I learned so much watching him and how passionate he is about the game. The fact that he is still playing at such a high level at his age is incredible as well.
Q: Do you have any superstitions?
A: Every time I put my gloves on, I always put my left glove on first. Not sure why I do it that way, but if I put my right glove on first, it does not feel right and it throws me off.
Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and what would you be doing?
A: I would be at my grandparents house in Red Lion, PA. They have a beautiful house on beautiful land there and it is one of my favorite places in the entire world. I feel so relaxed and happy there. I would probably be sitting out on the porch hanging with family watching sports until my Granna would try to fatten me up with all of the fantastic food she makes and has prepared.
Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?
A: Mr. Brightside by The Killers. It’s always a go-to tune and really gets me pumped up.
Q: If you had to choose one teammate to survive on a deserted island with, who would it be?
A: I would choose my roommate Paul. He is very intelligent with the outdoors as well so I feel like, between the two of us, we would have no problem surviving. I would trust him with the fishing aspect of things for sure.
Q: What is one thing fans might not know about you?
A: I love cooking on the grill and I love barbecuing anything up. Along with enjoying any new brews from local breweries. So just keep that in mind when you are having your next cookout, I’d love to be involved in that!
