Flo Meyer: German Soccer Captain Leaves his Mark on TMU

Florian Meyer

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Ashby Morris | Crestview Hills, KY

February 10, 2025

When Thomas More men’s soccer team captain Florian “Flo” Meyer was a kid growing up in Mulheim, Germany, he never imagined he’d go to college - let alone play for a university in Kentucky. Flo says he dreamed of being a pro soccer player and didn’t think he’d need to go to school. But his parents, Stepanka and Axel Meyer, and his coaches, helped him to realize that time in a university was a good idea - even though Flo worried his grasp of English was too bad for him to succeed in the U.S.

“When I came to Thomas More, my English was not very good. I was scared of people making fun of me,” Flo said. But he quickly found Thomas More to be a supportive and welcoming place. “My fears were washed away,” he said. “Everyone was super kind and helpful.”

His professors were impressed with how hard Flo worked to learn English and his other subjects.

“I love his curiosity and his willingness to learn new things,” said Dr. Florence Dwyer, chair of the foreign language department. “Flo is diligent, smart, and always respectful. He is the student every teacher can dream of.”

Over his four years at TMU, Flo’s English has improved to the point that he scored one of the highest grades in Sports Journalism last semester, according to Professor Steve Oldfield.

“Flo consistently gives his best effort and always brings a great attitude to class,” Oldfield said. “I also think that he is one of the best writers in our class, which is even more impressive given that English is his second language.”

His coaches and teammates have also been impressed with the center back, who started 14 games in 2024 and scored a goal and an assist.

“Flo has been a consummate professional,” said Scott Phipps, head soccer coach. “He has a very personable attitude and has always been one of the most helpful student athletes.”

“Flo is the type of person you want to be around,” assistant soccer coach Pandelis Popgeorgiev states. “He is really easy to work with!”

Flo has fought through his share of injuries (hip and groin) but he has always been a positive and supportive player.

“Flo is the type of personality and character that a coach dreams of having in the dressing room,” said assistant soccer coach Serge Kikonda “He is a great leader, uplifts his teammates, is as positive as can be, and always pushes himself to be the best version of himself.”

Flo’s teammates noticed his dedication right away.

“Flo is an amazing person. He is smart and hardworking,” says Ramzi Termanini, a fellow international student from Syria who plays forward. “We chose him to be one of the team captains for his good character.”

“Flo is a genuine person. He always leads by example, always sets the tone,” says Collin Kettle, a right back. “His biggest attribute would be his leadership qualities.”

Flo hopes to use those leadership qualities to someday coach a soccer team. He admits that working with young kids can be a challenge.

“They’re more focused on the fun, rather than focusing on the game,” Flo said. “I want to teach them how to play the game.”

As his playing days come to an end here at TMU, Flo is eyeing graduate school to continue studying languages. He will be graduating this Spring with a degree in Sports and Entertainment Marketing.

“He is just a sensational talent and leader,” Coach Kikonda said. “Flo’s absence will be surely felt after his graduation.”