Stony Brook, N.Y. – For Trondheim, Norway natives Robin Bjornholm-Jatta, Serge Gamwanya and Lars Togstad, playing collegiate soccer at Stony Brook University has been the opportunity of a lifetime.
 
Prior to teaming up with the Seawolves, the three played together growing up at Rosenborg BK – a Norwegian professional football club. Stony Brook has once again united Bjornholm-Jatta, Gamwanya and Togstad, helping them find success both on the field and in the classroom.
 
Bjornholm-Jatta, a graduate forward, transferred into Stony Brook for his final season of eligibility at the college level. He's played in 15 contests this season recording three goals and two assists for eight points – which ranks second on the team.
 
"To be here in New York with three guys I've for as long as I can remember… it's been awesome," Bjornholm-Jatta said. "We're here having fun, we've been given an incredible opportunity."
 
Togstad, a graduate student, has played two seasons at Stony Brook. The defender has started in 29 total games for the Seawolves, anchoring a defense that recorded seven shutouts in 2016 – its highest team total since 2010.
 
"I wanted to do something different, and I've done that here at Stony Brook," Togstad said. "I've gotten my Master's degree… I would probably never travel here if it weren't for this school, so I don't have any regrets."
 
Gamwanya, a junior, has played in 51 contests over his first three years with the program. He has seven goals and 11 assists in his time with the Seawolves, was named America East Rookie of the Year in 2015, and was tabbed First Team All-Conference in 2016 as a sophomore.
 
"I will also say that, for me, coming here, it's been one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. I wanted something new; I wanted a new challenge. I had never been to the U.S. before I came here… I took the chance, and obviously it's been a great journey so far."