LA MIRADA, Calif. --- While the Eagles prepare for their first match of the season this Thursday against UC San Diego, former player Joey O'Keefe is already five matches into his soccer season with the Austrian professional team SK Bischofschofen.

"As a men's soccer program we want to be men who embrace the way God uses our uniqueness and quirks to represent him," said Head Coach Todd Elkins. " Joey embodies that purpose with his professionalism and in his desire to make connections with the people around him. And I really think Joey has realized that God has chosen Joey to represent Him to his teammates and his community in Austria."

O'Keefe was a three-time all-conference player for the Eagles when he played at Biola from 2012-2015. He helped the Eagles to a GSAC Tournament finals appearance in 2013 and a regular season conference championship in 2015 when he was named conference player of the year and selected to the NAIA All-American first team. He also served as the primary play-by-play commentator for men's soccer in 2016 while attending classes at Biola.

"Joey's a guy who is very likeable, approachable and he's a natural born leader who doesn't let his abilities cause him to look down on others," added Elkins. "He goes into places with eyes wide open and wondering what he can learn from his experiences. I expect him to be a great ambassador for our program and I am proud that someone like Joey is representing Biola as he shares his faith with others."

SK Bischofschofen is currently in first place in the Austrian fourth division with 13 points and a 4-0-1 record. O'Keefe has primarily played defensive center midfielder in his team's formation and hopes SK Bischofschofen will remain at the top of its table so it can earn a promotion into the third division for next season.

""It's definitely a challenge chasing the dream overseas where I'm having to learn a new language (German). But it's been an amazing adventure," said O'Keefe. "It's also been an awesome ministry opportunity that God has put me in. I've been able to have some great conversations with my teammates about who Jesus was and why He is still so important today."

O'Keefe's next match is Saturday, Sept. 2 against Salzburger AK.