Macalester College Athletics

As a Scot
2018
Named to the USC All-North Region team… earned All-MIAC honors… Named to the MIAC All-Academic team… Appeared in 18 games for the Scots, making 16 starts in his senior season… Tallied 10 points on the year, which ranked second highest on the team… His three game-winning goals paced the team in the 2018 season … Took 28 shots throughout the year, half of which were on goal… Put up his first point of the season with an assist against Hamline on Sept. 12… Converted on a penalty kick against Carthage on Sept. 16 that proved to be the game-winning goal… Ensured a 1-1 tie with Carleton on Sept. 22 by scoring in the second half… Added another game-winner against Bethel on Oct. 13… Scored a penalty kick goal against Hamline in the MIAC playoffs on Oct. 30.

2017
Started in 19 of the 20 games played in... Scored two goals including the only winning goal against Hamline in a 1-0 win on Sept.13 and against Concordia Moorhead in a 3-1 win on Sept. 26... Tallied one assist....Named to the All-MIAC team. 

2016
Played in 20 games with 18 starts… Tallied one goal in a 3-2 win against Saint John’s University Oct. 25…  Member of the MIAC Academic All-Conference team and received All-MIAC honorable mention.
 
2015
Played in all 21 games with seven starts… Helped the Scots go 7-0 in his starts… Scored his first collegiate goal in the MIAC semifinal game against St. Thomas Nov. 4.

Before Mac
Trained with U20 Gremio Osasco Audax in Brazil… Carried the highest GPA of all athletes in his class at Shattuck St. Mary’s… Participated in the Honors Program… Given name is Jameleddine Benhamida.

Why did you choose to attend Macalester?
Macalester struck me as a very unique college, with the advantages of being in a big city but also having a small campus feeling to it. The idea of meeting students from different areas around the world is extremely exciting as well as an amazing study abroad program as I intend to spend a semester in a foreign country. The outstanding academics, competitive soccer, and close proximity to home was everything and more that I was looking for and I am very happy to be attending Mac.

What has your experience at Macalester meant to you so far?
My first year at Macalester was great. I loved being challenged academically and on the field which is why I chose to attend Macalester in the first place. I felt that I learned a lot and I am more than excited to begin my second year at Mac.
 
How has your experience as a student-athlete at Macalester helped shape you as an individual?
Being able to balance the academics at a school like Mac and the big time commitment that comes with playing soccer has helped me become much more responsible and smarter in the way I manage my time. I feel that I am in control of the academic side by staying on top of things and not playing catch up as well as the soccer side. I am really excited to see how I continue to grow this next year and further improve my time management now that I am going to have cook for myself as well. 

How has your experience as a student-athlete at Macalester prepared you for life after graduation

In my experience at Macalester so far, I've learned that nothing is given and that you have to put in the work and make your own path to follow your goals. Mac has challenged me but the community and friends I have made here have also helped me develop into the person I am now. I have found my feet and feel ready to take on whatever life has to throw at me.