After making a defensive selection with the first of their back-to-back first round picks in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, the New England Revolution shifted their focus to the attacking side of the field by selecting Chicago FC United and Wisconsin forward Mark Segbers with the No. 9 overall selection.

Segbers, who was a four-year starter at Wisconsin in the extremely competitive Big Ten, have proven himself as a consistent contributor, grabbing at least seven goals plus assists combined in all four years at college. In addition to his prolific college career, which included winning the 2017 Big Ten championship, Segbers also featured for Chicago FC United in the Premier Development League, where he played alongside Wisconsin teammates and fellow SuperDraft selections Chris Mueller and Tommy Barlow.

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During his first professional preseason, Segbers has taken his desire to improve and develop that was on display at Wisconsin and with Chicago FC United and has applied it to his rookie campaign. While adjusting to an intense schedule of work, Segbers has used the opportunity as a learning experience, absorbing information from veterans, developing a better body care routine and more.

During his work with the Revolution, Segbers took time to speak with USLPDL.com and talk about his SuperDraft experience, what the PDL meant to him and what he’s learned so far.

Mark Segbers

New England Revolution Forward

PDL: You were selected 9th overall by the New England Revolution, how did it feel to hear your name called to the stage?

Mark Segbers: It was a dream come true. Since I was a little kid I’ve dreamed of being up on that podium with the scarf around my neck, so it was exciting and I tried to keep the nerves down and give a good speech.

PDL: Chicago FC United had four selections in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, including two in the top ten between yourself and Chris Mueller. How does the PDL team contribute to the development of so many future professionals?

MS: I think it plays a huge role, because over the summer you want to be as sharp as possible going into the fall season since you need to impress and have scouts notice you. I think being on a good PDL team with Chris and a lot of the other guys from Wisconsin, Tom, Mike, Chino and those kinds of guys really helps you stay sharp and put your best foot forward into those first games in the fall.

PDL: You were a four-year starter at Wisconsin, contributing at least 7-plus goals and assists combined per season. How were you able to produce so consistently in a tough Big Ten environment?

MS: I think day in, day out just making sure you get better, whether that’s in practice or even in recovery by taking care of your body. Also, you have a lot of good guys around you like Chris, Mike and Tom were all drafted, so we were all pushing each other day in and day out to get better, and it was just a really infectious environment where a lot of guys were trying to be the best they can.

PDL: You appeared in eight matches with Chicago FC United this past summer. What was the best part of playing with the team?

MS: I think just the grit and determination of all the guys wanting to get better. People were getting after it in practice every single day, so you needed to have your ‘A’ game or you were going to be one of the worst players, and you never want to do that. You want to have a good session every day. So, they pushed you to be good every day which I think made me sharp going into the fall season.

PDL: As we draw closer to the start of the 2018 MLS season, how has your first professional preseason been so far?

MS: It’s been a lot of learning lessons. I had an injury early so I had to learn to make sure you’re taking care of your body on and off the field. I’ve just been trying to learn a lot from the vets. The schedule is very intense, you’ve got a lot of games and a lot of two-a-days. It’s been awesome so far and I want to keep learning as the season goes on.