"I always wanted to play sports but knew an education was going to pave the way for me to accomplish that," said Gorodnickis. "We had a family friend who helped other Latvian athletes find landing spots in America, so we reached out to him to assist."
That connection led him to Lewis University, where the balance of athletics and academics made it the perfect fit. "My family all works in aviation, and I believe I'll take after the 'family business' when I am done with school. Lewis truly was perfect for me," he said.
In his four years as a Flyer, Gorodnickis has built a reputation for success on and off the field. With 76 starts and 80 appearances, he has logged over 6,500 minutes of playing time, scored 19 goals and tallied eight assists for 46 total points.
His accolades tell a story of complete dedication: three-time All-GLVC honoree, an Academic All-District selection and a GLVC All-Tournament Team member in 2024. He earned the prestigious David Delahanty Award for academic excellence as a freshman and sophomore.
He was a standout in his junior year as he helped lead the Flyers to the NCAA Final Four. It was the third Final Four appearance in program history.
But Gorodnickis' impact extends beyond the stats and awards. He recalls his early days on campus with a mix of humor and gratitude. "My home country is small, so to think I could drive for hours here and still be in the same state was mind-blowing," he said. "My first year was during COVID; it was hard in many ways, especially that first semester. My teammates quickly became my family and also my campus tour guides."
Among those teammates was his roommate,
Jackson Godfrey (West Dundee, Ill./Jacobs), who became like a brother to him. "I spent holidays and breaks with Jackson and his family in Dundee. They welcomed me with open arms. The friendship was mutual—Jackson even visited me in Latvia," Gorodnickis said.
The transition to American soccer was another challenge he embraced.
"The game here in the States is more physical, a little more aggressive than in Europe, where it's more tactical and skillful," he explained. "I'm grateful I got playing time early and took full advantage of it."
Gorodnickis has become an informal ambassador for Lewis, encouraging other Latvian and international players to join the program. One recruit has particularly big shoes to fill—his younger brother, Robert, now a sophomore at Lewis.
Looking ahead, Gorodnickis plans to pursue a master's degree in Europe while exploring part-time work opportunities. He's also keeping his athletic options open, with the possibility of a professional futsal career on the horizon.
"Lewis and the soccer program have a lot of resources, and I utilized them all," he said. "This experience has shaped me in ways I couldn't have imagined. I'm grateful for the journey and excited for what's next."
Arturs Gorodnickis (Riga, Latvia/Riga) is the exact definition of the student-athlete experience at Lewis University—where high academic achievement, athletic excellence, and lifelong friendships converge to create lasting impact.
