Student Commencement Stories: CBA Graduate Ugo Tritz

If it weren't for checking his email "Spam" filter and seeing a message from former head coach Jason Mims, Ugo Tritz may have never stepped foot onto Caniglia Field and quickly become a fan favorite as goalkeeper of the Omaha Mavericks men's soccer team.

The Metz, France, native found his way to Omaha - nearly 5,000 miles away - in 2016 and made his presence felt each season. "I go. You go. We all go for Ugo." was a common chant heard from the stands any time Tritz was on the pitch.

Tritz appeared in six games in his first two years and 23 games in his junior and senior years. In that time, Tritz earned accolades and off the field. However, it wasn't always easy for the Marketing and International Business major.

"In the first semester, when my English wasn't the greatest and I had to write papers and spend more time than others studying, I had the chance to have an incredible group of friends who helped me get through the first semester, and without them it would have definitely been harder," he says.

Now, four years after visiting a city in the United States he had never heard of before, Tritz calls Omaha his home and is even putting his major to good use interning for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

"I've had the chance to touch a little bit of everything here," Tritz explains. "Between social media posts, web editing, graphic design, even creating some swag! I learned a lot from the team here in the Marketing Department, they are amazing, experienced people."

Tritz has plans to return to UNO to earn an MBA and stay involved with Omaha Athletics as long as he can. No matter where he goes in life, he says he will always be a Maverick.

"I love UNO because I love the community around it. Students, teachers, employees or even our fans, sometimes following us across the country. They made me feel at home for the past four years and I will always be forever grateful for the lifelong relationships I made here in Omaha."

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

Become a fan of UNO on Facebook and follow UNO's Twitter updates.