Cole Grossman Duke Midfielder MLS Draft Profile --- January 13, 2011

Former Duke midfielder Cole Grossman enjoyed one of the more impressive performances over the weekend and thus, received a host of plaudits from MLS analysts including Fox Soccer's Ives Galarcep who called Grossman "one of the steadier players" at the 2011 Major League Soccer Player Combine.

Grossman's success on the field stems not only from his athletic talents but also from his true passion for the game.

"I really like the game," Crossman said via phone last month as he prepared for the Combine. "I try and play everyday. Soccer is fun."

The central midfielder, like many Combine invitees, received advice from former Duke teammates including New England Revolution defender Darrius Barnes. Barnes kept the advice simple.

"He told me to work hard," Grossman said.

As Grossman now prepares for his professional career which begins today at the 2011 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, he will have a distinct advantage over many of his rookie counterparts.

Duke plays in the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference; the league maintains a consistent college-to-pro pipeline with several players drafted each year.

"It's the best conference in college soccer," Grossman said. "Personally, playing in the ACC really helped me. The speed of play, the physical game and the elite players; there were no easy games."

In addition to the ACC, Major League Soccer's 2011 schedule will offer no easy games. As he makes the transition from the collegiate to the professional environment, Grossman will become aware of the similarities and hopefully continue to find that passion which powers his game.