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Behind the Stripes

Dennis Schröder

By Atlanta United FC

July 6^th, 2017

Long before he moved to the United States and became one of the faces of Atlanta basketball, there was another sport that Hawks point guard Dennis Schröder also held close to his heart. Much like many of the kids in Brunswick, Germany, two hours west of Berlin, he was a fan of soccer.

“I grew up playing soccer, I think in Germany everyone does that."

"My other interests were skateboarding and clearly basketball, but most people play soccer growing up so I did that with my friends, and I still follow the sport closely.”

As Dennis grew, up he gravitated toward the hardwood and the sport of basketball. When he was just 19 years old, the Hawks drafted him with the 17th overall pick, bringing him to Atlanta and achieving a lifelong dream.

“I promised my dad I’d get drafted one day and it was just amazing to hear David Stern call my name."

"It’s just amazing, and I’m excited for our new rookies to have that same feeling, they deserve it.”

Now entering his fifth season in the league, Schröder has grown to love the city and particularly the city’s sports fans that he says have embraced him from day one.

“I was drafted by the Hawks so this city is special to me. The fans here in the city are special – whether it’s for Atlanta United, the Hawks, the Dream or any other sport, we love the fan support of their teams year-round and that’s what I try to do when I’m able to - support them as well.”

Schröder’s true love may be basketball, but he still has an affinity for soccer that will never dissolve. And while his favorite teams are back in Germany, he was blown away by the crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

“I’ve already attended three Atlanta United games and love the atmosphere. On Saturday, a fan in the supporter section offered me a scarf."

"It’s just incredible to see the fans support the team every week and it’s so exciting to be at the games.”

Dennis still has a strong connection to his home country, and will spend time this offseason playing with the German National Team. And while he is now fully acclimated to life in the South, it doesn’t hurt to have a few more Germans in town to remind him of home.

“I’ve met Julian [Gressel] a few times and it’s great to see him have a large role with the team, and great to see him making a big impact."

"Julian and many other players have come to our arena to support the Hawks at our games and we appreciate their support.”

Schröder says he’s focused on improving his game on the court and becoming a leader on the team for the Hawks, and he’s even happier having a new hometown soccer team and a new set of fans that have welcomed him in.

“I think every Atlanta United fan dreams of hammering in that golden spike, so I had a dream come true. It’s just a great atmosphere and I liked it a lot.”

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