Playing the long game
From defensive line to dual degree, Sandro Pierini makes every minute count.
By Veronika Bryskiewicz
What does it take to excel in law and business and dominate on the Mustangs’ football field? For Alesandro “Sandro” Pierini, it's all about finding your true path and making the most of every opportunity.
"I love every moment of the challenge," says Sandro, who is enrolled in a dual degree program with Western’s Faculty of Law and Ivey Business School, all while playing fullback for the Mustangs. "Western has been the perfect fit for me."
Meant to be
When COVID-19 disrupted his final high school football season, the usual recruitment process took an unexpected turn as in-person games and scouting opportunities were suddenly cancelled.
Being proactive about his future, Sandro sent out his football highlight reel to several universities across Ontario and quickly received a reply from Western.
"Something just clicked with the coaches at Western," he recalls. "I had this gut feeling that this was the right spot for me, and I accepted their offer right away."
Soon after, Sandro discovered an opportunity for a dual degree that aligned perfectly with his professional goals. "I was meant to be here," he reflects. "It worked out better than anything I could have possibly imagined."
Building discipline through sport
With practice, team activities and meetings, Sandro spends close to 40 hours each week dedicated to football. "It’s definitely tested my ability to manage my own time and stay disciplined," he says.
He credits the team's academic coordinator, Chris Marcus, with helping athletes develop valuable life skills that complement what he learns in class. Being on the football team has also taught him valuable lessons about resilience and self-belief, helping him learn how perfection can get in the way of progress.
Giving back
Despite his packed schedule, Sandro makes time to give back. He serves as VP of Leadership and Professional Development for the Mustangs Athletic Student Council, and every Friday, Sandro goes across town to coach high school football players with the London Junior Mustangs.
"I try to give them as much insight as possible. "The kids respond super well to it, which has made the experience extremely rewarding."
This spirit of community support flows both ways in Sandro's journey. This year he received the Bill Hunter Football award as a returning player, one of several awards he's earned for football, along with an entrance scholarship at Western "Donors understand the financial pressures and stress that come with varsity athletics. To have them in our corner is vital," he says.
Life beyond Western
Looking beyond graduation, Sandro hopes to pursue corporate law and commercial law. Having secured a summer position at a law firm in Niagara Falls, he's eager to experience the profession firsthand.
While his immediate focus is on his legal career, Sandro hasn't ruled out the possibility of pursuing football professionally. Recently invited to the prestigious East West Bowl, an annual all-star game that showcases top university talent for CFL recruitment, Sandro is keeping his athletic options open alongside his academic ambitions.
Whatever path he eventually chooses, Sandro knows that his unique Western experience has prepared him well for success.
"Being a part of Western sports is bigger than yourself," Sandro reflects. "The experience I'm able to get here is going to fuel my life going forward. That's the beauty of Western—you can get a top education and set yourself up for a great life after sports.”
