He’s smooth, honest, and the “Prince” of the soccer field. Tolani Ibikunle reigns over our hearts in this week’s Campus Cutie.
Name: Tolani Ibikunle
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Major: Economics
Relationship status: Single
Nickname: “Prince”
HC (Her Campus): So you just got back from your game against Eastern Tennessee State, how was it?
TI (Tolani Ibikunle): We tied, they were pretty good.
HC: You’re number 4 [on your jersey]; does that have any significance?
TI: I actually always was number 12, but they game me 4 when I got to Wake and I’ve been that ever since.
HC: What position do you play?
TI: Center back.
HC: And you’ve been playing for the soccer team all of your time here at Wake?
TI: Yes, that’s why I came here.
HC: Why did you choose Wake for soccer?
TI: I thought about other schools, but at the end of the day, Wake had the best of both worlds: great soccer, great academics, and, of course, beautiful women, like yourself.
HC: (Laughing) Moving on…do you play any other sports?
TI: I played basketball in high school, but I didn’t grow taller than 5’11”. But I can still dunk!
HC: What else do you do on campus?
TI: Hang out, go to class. I don’t know. Most of the time I’m playing soccer, though. I don’t do too much anymore ‘cause I live off campus now. I go to AIA, though (Athletes in Action). It’s a Christian-based group for athletes.
HC: What has been your favorite memory at Wake so far?
TI: Probably scoring my first goal. The one and only goal I have so far.
HC: Really, which game was that?
TI: Clemson, my sophomore year.
HC: I actually think I was at that game! Okay, so please explain your nickname to me.
TI: All of my friends think I’m a Nigerian prince. ‘Cause my cousin is a Nigerian prince, and people just assume I’m one too.
HC: What are the three most important things to you?
TI: My family, soccer, and honesty.
HC: I like that answer.
TI: …And my sneakers.
HC: (Laughing) What about your sneakers?
TI: I love sneakers. I have about 46 pairs in my room here at Wake.
HC: Is that different from the amount you have at home?
TI: I have a lot more at home; I just love my sneakers.
HC: Why?
TI: I really don’t know. I just got really big into sneakers my junior year in high school, I’ve been spending a lot of money on sneakers ever since.
HC: (Laughing) Okay, so moving away from your shoe obsession…If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life it would be…
TI: Chicken.
HC: Any specific kind?
TI: Just chicken. Just got to have my chicken. My teammates are definitely going to laugh at that one (laughing).
HC: Do you have any secret talents?
TI: I like to drum. I’m really good at drumming.
HC: Who is your celebrity crush?
TI: Damn. Uhm, there are so many. I like pretty women. Uh, I’ll get back to you on that one.
HC: First thing you look for in a girl…
TI: She’s got to have a nice smile.
HC: The best pick up line you’ve ever used…
TI: Best?! How about worst! (Laughing) My worst pick up line is, uh, I think it was something like, “You always see me around campus, but you never say hi. Is it because of my pretty smile?” She was like, “damnnn,” and started laughing. Like, Cassie, it was bad! I’ve had some awesome ones, and that was the least smooth I’ve ever been…but it still worked, though.
HC: Oh gosh, that sounds really awkward…(Laughing) What’s your biggest pet peeve?
TI: This is weird, but, like, chipped nail polish on girls’ fingers.
HC: Don’t look at mine!
TI: (Checking) No, yours are alright. But, just chipped. I mean, just take it off; it’s a big no-no.
HC: What’s your favorite movie?
TI: The Notebook…
HC: No way!
TI: No, I’m joking (laughing). Nah, my favorite movie is definitely Cool Runnings.
HC: I love that movie. Okay, in ten years you will be….
TI: I will be 30, so, hopefully, just finishing up my pro soccer career…getting ready to do something else in life. Pursue a job with my economics major, or something else. Maybe buy more sneakers…
HC: (Laughing) Life motto?
TI: When in doubt just be honest.
*Photography by Kelly Guin