SDH 1v1: Nyk Sessock, Atlanta United 2

New to Atlanta United 2 this season, Nyk Sessock has brought a ton of experience to the group. His experiences growing up in the Philadelphia Union academy, spending time in college at Pitt & Indiana, and playing two seasons with Inter Miami II have been a big asset to Steve Cooke's group in 2025. The 2's will be playing their next two matches in Athens at the Turner Soccer Complex at the University of Georgia, you'll be able to listen to the radio broadcasts here on the SDH Network (click listen on the website, or use the Mixlr app).

(photos: Sofia Cupertino)

Madison Crews and I caught up with Nyk recently, here's excerpts from our conversation. Check out the entire interview below on our YouTube channel.

On his time in college: "Those four and half years were the best years of my life. And... set me up for now and being a professional, what's it's like to live on your own, what it's like to take care of yourself because now that you're a professional, there's no one here to hold your hand."

On how he ended up at Indiana University: "I was leaving Pitt regardless, I was either going to enter the portal, but at the time I had a trial at Benfica and Club Brugge, so I was leaving March 13th or March 14th. (President) Trump shut the country down with Covid on the 13th. So I was like, you know what?" "I was like, maybe it's just not meant to be, like I'm a very religious person, so I was like, maybe God's telling me, if I go there, God forbid something happens. And, you know, so maybe it's saving me. So I entered the transfer portal and within two hours Indiana University had reached out and it was a no brainer for me."

On coming to Atlanta: "Atlanta was nice enough to bring me in for preseason with the first team. And you know, they don't know who I am. I came with Chris (Henderson) from Miami and Chris was a big fan of mine and I'm a big fan of his, but Chris is the one guy that believed in me." "He was like, I want to give you a chance because I think you deserve it. Obviously things didn't work out to sign a first team deal, but they kept me here because do see something."

On the bond formed with his Atlanta United 2 teammates quickly: "I would say the only time I've had it like this was at Indiana, where you jump into a team and everything just clicks right away. I think off the field is more important when you create that unity and collective than it is on the field. I think that goes hand in hand, if you don't like each other off the field, then it's gonna be tough. "It's interesting every day, every day is a different story and a good laugh. I think that's super important for us, because at the end of the day, the game will leave us and all we're left with is the memories and the people that we meet. Making those friendships, making those connections with everybody, it goes a long way."

Check out our whole unedited conversation where we discuss Nyk's Ukrainian heritage, why he gives back to the community, and so much more. Join us tomorrow at 12:30pm as Nyk and Atlanta United 2 take on NYCFC II from Athens.