Reno1868FC.com recently sat down with Thomas Janjigian to learn more about the defender. 

Janjigian, also known to his teammates as Jiggy, played collegiate soccer with UC Irvine from 2013-2016. The 2020 season marks the fourth consecutive year Janjigian has been with the club, and we caught up with him to discuss his interests off the field.

Who were your idols in the soccer world while you were growing up? 

Messi completely. I would have to say Messi would be my only one. 

Any particular reason why? What drew you to him? 

He is the best. He is so technical, and he can do everything on the soccer field. 

What teams in Europe do you follow?

Barcelona and Chelsea are the two teams I probably watched the most when I was younger for sure. 

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing soccer?

I hang out with my dogs and my girlfriend.

How many dogs do you have?

I have two. One is a Siberian Husky, and the other one is like a Chihuahua-Italian Greyhound Mix. 

What job would you be absolutely terrible at? 

I think a retail job. I don’t know why, but I feel like I would just not enjoy it at all. 

Are you more of a morning or night person?

I am more of a night person. 

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I am actually right-footed. I am normally left-footed, like I play left-footed now, but I was originally right-footed when I was younger. 

Are you more of a coffee or tea person?

Tea definitely