Interview with Latvian-American Soccer Talent Deniss Hayes
In a recent conversation with Deniss Hayes, a Latvian-born soccer player and his brother now making strides in the United States, we discussed his journey from Riga to America, his roots, and his ambitions in the world of professional soccer. His story is one of resilience, family bonds, and a relentless drive to succeed.
A Childhood in Latvia, A New Start in the U.S. My brother Nikita and I grew up in Riga, Latvia," he begins. "Our family faced some tough times, and by the age of 7, we were sent to an orphanage. When I was 13, a family in the United States adopted both of us, giving us a new beginning." Despite the hardships, Latvia and the memories from those early years continue to shape him. Soccer, it turns out, was a cornerstone of that childhood. “We started kicking the ball around at age 5, just for fun,” he recalls. “At the orphanage, soccer was the game everyone played. Nikita and I would often join the older kids, which really helped us improve.” The brothers' shared passion for soccer became a defining aspect of their journey, both as players and as siblings.
Striving for Success in College Soccer Today, Deniss is competing at the highest collegiate level in the United States, Division 1. “Recently, our team was ranked 13th in the nation,” he shares with pride. “Though injuries and other setbacks prevented us from going as far as we hoped, it’s been an incredible experience. Playing minutes as a freshman is rare, and I was lucky to get that opportunity.” He describes the rigorous training and demanding schedule, which begins every day at 7:30 a.m. with practice sessions, weightlifting on Mondays and Wednesdays, and alternating lighter and heavier sessions depending on the season. “Our team is very high-level,” he notes. “We have players from all over the world, including those with experience on professional teams and national squads.”
Professional Dreams on the Horizon When asked about his future, Deniss is clear about his goals. “After graduation—or hopefully even sooner—I’d like to get drafted into the MLS or sign with a professional team,” he says. However, he keeps an open mind about possibly returning to Europe if the right opportunity doesn’t arise in the U.S. “Ideally, MLS is the goal, but Europe is definitely on the table.”
Remembering His Roots and Family Legacy Though he has spent years away from Latvia, his connection to his homeland remains strong. “I love the country and the soccer culture there. I miss it a lot, but I still visit every two years, so I get to see my friends then.” The brothers' time in Latvia included playing for local clubs such as FC Skonto and FK Dinamo Rīga, which laid the foundation for their development. Family has always played an essential role in his journey. He remembers his mother and father as active and athletic, though his family’s story is tinged with sadness. “My mom was a single mother after my dad passed away when I was just three. She couldn’t take care of us and passed away a few years ago. She used to run track and even did some boxing, I think.” In the U.S., he and Nikita have formed a close bond, sharing not only a love for soccer but also dreams of turning professional. “My brother is a right back, not a forward like me,” he laughs, “but he’s got the same vision. He wants to go pro, too.”
A Glimpse of Latvian Culture in the U.S. Language and culture remain an important part of his identity. Although he’s lost some fluency in Latvian, he can still understand and speak it, while his Russian skills are stronger. His family ties in Latvia are limited, with his mother's sister and her side of the family still living there. “That’s about it,” he says, but there’s an unmistakable warmth when he talks about his heritage.
Inspired by the Past, Driven Toward the Future Reflecting on his journey, Deniss shares a powerful insight. “I’ve dreamed of becoming a professional since I was in the orphanage,” he says. “Coming from that background inspires me every day to do my best.”
Soccer or Football? When it comes to the language of the game, he's flexible: “It doesn’t really matter to me; it just depends on where I am. If I’m in Latvia, I’ll say ‘football,’ but in the U.S., I say ‘soccer.’” His journey, however, transcends words, representing a bridge between two worlds and a testament to the power of resilience and ambition.