- 2014 Highlights #5
Personal Statement
Soccer is something I have taken very seriously from the age of 8 when I began playing club. From the very first day of truly competitive soccer I knew that I wanted to play at the next level. I began to seriously pursue my goal for the last 4 years. My journey to playing college soccer started the summer after my freshman year when my parents and I made the decision to move to Bavarian Soccer Club in Milwaukee. This was a very big deal for me because it was something that I had not experienced before. This was the first time that I had ever tried out for and played with a club outside of the local club in Racine. I have never looked back since those few days of tryouts in June of 2012. I have participated in international tournaments including the Mayor's Cup in Las Vegas and regional tournaments including the Nike Classic Showcase in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Playing with and against top flight players and playing for great coaches has taught me a lot. From these experiences I can return to my high school, where I serve as a captain, and hopefully help my J.I Case High School teammates win the regional final this upcoming fall, something that has alluded us the last two seasons.
However, I know there are other things that are important in my life besides soccer. School is my first priority. This is something that was stressed to me greatly by my parents when I was younger, and now it is what I live by. At Case I am ranked 3rd in my class of 462 and I am enrolled in a full IB (International Baccalaureate) schedule. IB is a curriculum that replaces AP (Advanced Placement) however, it is very different from the standard AP classes. IB is a learning philosophy. To be successful in IB, one must be able to work with others, give in depth presentations, read and write at the highest levels, and be ready to study for hours if not days in preparation for the IB exams. IB exams are completed in May of senior year. The IB program is something that I am very grateful for because the rigor of the classes and the focus on writing are two things that I believe will leave me very prepared for college, wherever that may be, when I walk across the stage and take my last steps at high school graduation.
My involvement with Bavarian Soccer Club, captaining my high school team, and the IB program leave me feeling very ready to play at the next level. I am confident in my ability as a soccer player, and my ability to manage/excel in the classroom. All of these things lead me to believe that I am ready to play at the next level, something that I have been dreaming of since I was 8 years old.
