Jeff DiMaria and Jason Mims have always had aspirations of playing professional soccer. Their time has finally come as their childhood dreams will soon be turning into reality.

This year, both seniors had outstanding seasons leading the Billikens soccer squad to a 17-4-2 record and the second round of the NCAA tournament. Each was invaluable to the team’s success.

“Not only were those two guys good players, but they also brought senior leadership and work ethic,” said Saint Louis University soccer coach Bob Warming.

DiMaria topped the team with 26 points, on nine goals and eight assists. He was named as a first-team Conference USA and NSCAA first-team All-American selection.

Mims was second on the Billikens with 24 points, consisting of nine goals and six assists. He was also first-team C-USA and NSCAA first-team All-Midwest Region.

With numbers like that, it’s not surprising that each is getting serious attention from teams in the A-League and Major League Soccer.

DiMaria has been selected to compete in the Umbro All-Star College Classic this weekend in Fort Lauderdale and will be a lock for this Sunday’s MLS draft. He has even been invited to try out for clubs in Holland and Brazil. Location, however, is a concern.

“I’d prefer to stay close to home-either Chicago (Fire) or Kansas City (Wizards),” said DiMaria . Both clubs are in the MLS.

Mims has been on the road training and working out for a few MLS teams. If not selected in the MLS draft, he will be a sure-fire pick for the A-League, the minor-league affiliate of the MLS.

Both players have gone through difficult periods during their stay at SLU.

Shortly after transferring from the University of Connecticut in 1997, DiMaria sustained a season-ending knee injury and missed the final 22 games of the year. Following a productive two-year stint at UConn, he had to prove himself once again in the eyes of the media and his opponents. He did just that, and more.

This season, he was the Most Valuable Player at the Indiana Classic, the SMU Nike Classic, the Cal Adidas Legacy Classic, and the most valuable midfielder at the C-USA Tournament. His recent success on the field was due to an off-season adjustment in attitude.

“I had a lot more focus. More motivation. It was either now or never,” he said.

Mims had his own problems. Sitting out 1996 after coming from Stetson, he had trouble breaking the lineup in 1997. His biggest shortcoming was his height (5’7″), which is important in the physical game of college soccer. He made up for it with hard work and determination.

Mims was named to the SMU Nike Classic All-Tournament Team and was on Soccer America’s Team of the Week for the week ending Sept. 5, 1999.

“Jason kept working. He was the first person at practice and the last to leave,” Warming said.

DiMaria and Mims’ leadership and unselfish play vaulted the Billikens to No.1 in the nation this season.

“They gave total commitment to the team and the game,” Warming said.