Soccer players are known for being innovative with the ball on the field. Creative tactics, such as heading the ball or performing bicycle kicks, are used to generate scoring chances. Junior Cody Schram, co-captain of the men's soccer team, is not only creative on the pitch, but also off it.

"I've been writing rhymes since I was 11," Schram said. "I'm in a hip-hop group here in Boston called Subconscious Collective, and I write, record, produce and perform hip-hop music."

With that in mind, it's no wonder Schram fits in so well at this school.

"Emerson College really encourages students to be creative and unique and think outside the box," he said. "And I like that."

Schram has been playing soccer at Emerson for the past two seasons and is in his third year.

"I was a little bit nervous coming in my freshman year," Schram said. "But the guys on the team were great and made me feel very comfortable … It made it easy for me to play well and enjoy playing."

Head Coach Jared Scarpaci said Schram's efforts through the years caught his eye. "He was an obvious choice," Scarpaci said about Schram being named a co- captain.

Schram said he was honored to be named a leader.

"I knew coming into this year that there would be no seniors above me, so the responsibility and leadership would be put on the other juniors and myself," he said.

Schram said his biggest responsibility is to lead by example, both on and off the field.

"I need to show the freshmen that it is possible to be a successful student-athlete and enjoy the college experience," he said.

Schram, of Durham, NH, has been honing his soccer skills since he was five years old. Growing up, he used to play against his younger brother, Jesse, whom he credits for turning him into the soccer player he is today.

"Of all the coaches I've had, and all the teams I've played on, the person that's pushed me the most in soccer is my younger brother," Schram said. "We grew up playing together and competing with each other, and that's what has helped me the most as a player."

Schram said he also found success playing soccer through high school.

"We won the state championship my junior and senior year, and I was captain my senior year," Schram said. "It was a great experience because I got to play with all my buddies. It was just a lot of fun."

Schram said he has been able to have fun this year even with the Lions' slow start. The team's record at press time was 2-6-1.

"It's frustrating because we're a good team and we know we're good," Schram said. "We have the talent and the unity. We just haven't been able to execute what we preach during practice during a game and come up with wins."

When all is said and done, Schram said that he would like his soccer career to be remembered by "leading Emerson to a championship win."

Scarpaci added a different perspective on what Schram will be remembered for.

"He has been one of the top center midfielders in the conference since his freshmen year," Scarpaci said. "He can control a whole game on his own."