General 9/22/2022 7:50:00 AM

Where Are They Now? - Dimitry Shamootin (Men's Soccer)

Dimitry Shamootin was a pioneer in the Lipscomb athletics department. He was active in helping to form the first intercollegiate men's soccer team on campus in 1993. He and other players walked around campus asking students, faculty and staff for support for a new sport. He was the first team captain in the history of the Lipscomb men's soccer program. He was also an honor student. He still stays active in soccer as head coach of a U-14 Boys Premiere Team, the Tampa Bay Rangers. He spent some time this week talking with Lipscombsports.com.

Name and sport played:

Dimitry Shamootin, Men's Soccer.

What years did you compete for Lipscomb, and who coached you?

I played from 1993-96. I started at Lipscomb in 1992. My coaches were Joel Butts in 1993 and '94 and Eddie Long in '95 and '96 . We appreciated Eddie helping to keep the team going. Charles Morrow was helping as a student assistant coach the last year I played.

What teammates were most memorable, and why?

There were a lot.

Jason Ingram and I walked around campus collecting signatures to start the team in 1992. We would go to chapel and Bible classes and anywhere there was a crowd talking with people and collecting signatures. We played intramural soccer and he was the one who came up to me originally and said how about we do something about starting a team next year.

Chris Witte was a great goalie. Unfortunately, he died in a motorcycle accident. Jason Robertson and Justin Robertson were brothers and they were both good technical players. Charles Morrow as one of the more technical players I ever played soccer with. They were the guys who mainly carried the team and also had great leadership skills in helping us accomplish our goals. I really enjoyed playing with them.

The first three years as a start-up were pretty tough. We faced a lot of deep competition.

What degree have you earned, from where, and when?

A B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing and a minor in Computer Information Systems (CIS) from Lipscomb University in 1997.

Why did you attend Lipscomb?

There were a couple of reasons. Harold and Evelyn McMurtry were missionaries in the Ukraine where they met my mom, Zhanna. My mom helped them out a lot to get their roots going in the country. Later on she came to the United States and she lives in Florida.

I went to high school in San Francisco, California for two years. I lived with an aunt.

Harold was a big supporter of Lipscomb University back in the day. He called me and said he wanted to meet with me. He asked me if I would like to go over to Lipscomb University and I did.

I looked at some schools where I could play soccer, but when I came to Lipscomb, there wasn't a team.

Lipscomb was a very welcoming school. It was a different atmosphere from a public high school in California. Lipscomb was more challenging. The transition my first year was difficult but once I adapted I enjoyed school there.

What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?

Playing against Lambeth University. I made an assist to Justin Morgan. It was a very memorable moment for me. It was our first game and I was lucky enough to have an assist in it.

Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?

Joel Butts and Charles Morrow. Both of them were good communicators and leaders. Their soccer knowledge was immense.

Working around guys like Joel and Charles was a pleasure and actually contributed to my growth as a soccer player and as an individual while I was playing.

What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?

I remember when the Internet was installed. It was very different from my high school and my schools in the Ukraine. It was an enjoyable and friendly campus.

What are the most valuable lessons you learned in your time at Lipscomb?

Perseverance and never giving up on what you are trying to accomplish. There were a lot of challenges academically and in athletics. It actually helped me build my personality and become a better person while I was there.

Who were your favorite professors and why?

Coach Frank Bennett who taught computer information systems was very understanding and helpful in my development.

Cheryl Lindsay, my Spanish teacher, was very instrumental in teaching me how to get through tough times.

Dr. Bill Ingram taught economics. Being from the Ukraine I learned a lot of things about how the capitalistic system works and why it is so successful and the best ways to keep it going. It was such a change from the situation I came from. I appreciated that very much.

Dr. Tom Seals, one of my Bible teachers, was a great guy. I talked with him many times in one-on-one conversations. We had very conducive and useful conversations. He opened up my mind to a lot of things and how to approach things from different angles.

Where did you grow up?

Odesa, Ukraine.

In 1990 I moved to California to live with my aunt and uncle to go to school.

My dad, Constantine, still lives there and he is going through all of the horrors of the war.

Where do you live, and what do you do now?

I live in Lutz near Tampa, Florida.

I am a senior loan officer at MiMutual Mortgage.

Tell us about your family:

I am married to Haifa. We have two kids, Nadia, 15, and Rock, 11.

FAST FINISH:

Favorite food: Seafood
Favorite TV show or movie: Gladiator
Favorite Bible scripture: The books of Luke and Acts
Favorite sports team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Person I most admire: My mom
Person I'd most like to meet: Lionel (Leo) Messi, the greatest soccer player in the world
Rather ride or drive? Drive
Pick one – salad or dessert: Both.
Dream vacation spot: Turks and Caicos Islands
Early morning or late night person? Late night

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