Welcome back to 11 Questions presented by Piedmont Natural Gas -- a weekly questionnaire series designed for you to get to know the people that make up Greenville Triumph Soccer Club. Each week, our own Marion Cole will ask someone from the organization the same ten questions, but the eleventh question will be from the previous interviewee. With players, coaches, and front office staff involved, we hope to bring you a fun look inside our club!

This week, I'm joined by striker Joshua James (JJ) Donnelly. JJ came to the Triumph from South Georgia Tormenta 2 mid-season, competing throughout the club's inaugural championship run. The London, England native began his collegiate career at Eastern Florida State College, finishing as an all-conference award winner at Campbell University. 

1. If you had a podcast, what would it be about and why?

If I had a podcast based on what is currently happening it would be about the Black Lives Matter movement, educating people that are not sure about what is going on and help them get a better understanding. I would get teammates and friends of color on the podcast also to talk about their experiences. My first podcast guest would actually be my former teammate, Cam Saul. We're both from the same area, but I know we have very difference experiences.

2. How do you decompress after a long week of work or training?

I like going downtown and grabbing a bite to eat or staying at the apartment complex and going down to the pool with the lads. As of recently, I’ve started reading a lot more which has been nice during this current pandemic. Currently, I'm reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad." It's about a child who has a dad and step-father. One is rich and one is poor, and he studies them and sees what he needs to do to make his life better for when he is grown and has his own family.

3. What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever had and why?

Most memorable meal would be my dad's dish which is peanut butter chicken soup. Amazing. It's an African dish that has been passed down through many years - sweet and savory, but amazing. Few of the boys on the team have been asking me to make it for them, so I might have to at some point.

4. What was the most nervous you’ve ever been?

This is a tough one, but I would maybe have to say when I broke my jaw and had a whole jaw reconstruction. I broke it playing football and got elbowed. They let me know before the surgery that it was a risky procedure, so I was very nervous beforehand. The rehab was long, and I couldn't do much for a while. But now I don't really think about it.

5. If you’re up at 2AM on a Saturday night, what are you eating?

I don’t tend to be up at 2AM on a Saturday, the boys can vouch for that. But if I was, it would have to be some chips and Cesar’s salsa. Like Cesar Murillo on the team - his recipe. It's fire! Unbelievable.

6. What’s something you learned recently that blew your mind?

I found out that eggs are not dairy. My whole life I just assumed they was. Shout out Evan Lee for the research.

7. Triumph SC announces they’re bringing a celebrity to the next match and wondering if you have enough time to say, “Hello.” Who’s the celebrity you’re most excited to have at a match?

Would have to be Thierry Henry. Been my idol since I can remember and would be an honor to meet him and just have a chat about his success and advice for me as a player to improve.

8. What’s the most memorable sports moment you’ve had as a fan?

Most people know I’m a big Arsenal fan, so for me it would have to be winning the FA Cup in 2014. We, Arsenal, were down 2-0 and ended up winning 2-3 in extra time. I was fortunate enough to be at Wembley stadium to watch the game. The atmosphere in one word - electric.

9. What sporting event have you always wanted to go to and why?

I’ve always wanted to go a boxing event. Boxing is very big in England, especially now where we have the best heavyweights in the world at the peak of their game. Anyone that knows boxing knows that we have wanted Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to fight, and literally a few days ago they agreed to fight next year. So I'm looking at tickets for that. 

10. If you’re part of a PK lineup, what number are you taking your penalty kick?

Personally, I would like to be number five as it could be the winning penalty and that would be nice to score the penalty winner. Pressure is good for players, and the more you get used to it, the better you perform when that scenario comes again.

11. Our Vice President of Sponsorship Marketing and Community Relations, Megan Kolak, wanted me to ask you, "Recent national events aside, what is the biggest cultural difference between The States and England that you've experienced?"

Hmm. It's a bit hard to explain, but there is simply a different feeling over in England. That cultural difference varies from city to city. For example, London is a huge melting pot with people from all over the world. But say you went to Sheffield. You'd find it hard to find anyone who isn't actually from Sheffield. England is absolutely the best place in the world, and I stand by that. Anyone that hasn't been needs to go.

Next week, I'm speaking with not only your teammate, but your roommate, Alex Morrell. What would you like me to ask him?

My question for Alex Morrell would be what was it liked getting drafted into the MLS. And also. How many warzone dubs does he have ?

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