Svea Eckstrand '20 Recruiting Profile

Soccer has taught me many things such as discipline, train of thought, and most importantly, teamwork and social skills. I strive to meet the demands of soccer with hours of training- it is not just a simple game- I have to be ready to give 100% at all times. With the proper attitude and focus, soccer becomes a game of not just skill, but intellect. Being able to get around a defender with ease is directly related to the level of thought that player is applying to the sport and how dedicated someone is to actually improving their game. Social skills are important for me because I am a social player on and off the field. Active communication and leadership continue to help my level of play, as well as those around me. To be able to give someone a heads up or just a simple suggestion on what they could try, as well as asking for their feedback on how we can work better together, is how I think good social attributes are definitely skills to continually work to improve. I would say one of the best aspects of myself is my enthusiasm. If someone on the team is feeling down or is bummed about losing a game, I am always there to cheer them up. I help them refocus on what’s important and ask them what we could do better to improve and help them work on the task at hand. I feel that you can take the game seriously, but also have fun while doing it. Being on a soccer team with teenage girls can get out of hand. I try my best to keep the others’ heads out of all the drama and get their mind set to practice at game speed and full intensity. Having an older sibling that plays soccer, I feel that initial drive to perform as well. There is, however, a downside to it; Living in their shadow. Especially when that sibling is an older brother that is exceptional at the sport. Although this may have been a big obstacle to overcome, I try to use it to my advantage. I feel that it has driven me to work even harder and be the best player that I am capable of being. As siblings, I am not the same as him, though I have learned a great deal by studying his techniques and practicing with him. We are both good at the sport, but play it in different ways. Showing me that my family has a big impact on me. Having that support from your parents and sibling is something that cannot be replaced. They have taught me to focus on the good experiences and learn from the bad ones. Whether it is from driving countless hours to a match, only to get defeated, or winning the state cup, their support doesn’t change. They will still love me and hope for the best. With a Christian outlook on life, I feel blessed to know that I am not alone in this world and that I can succeed in life if I invest the time and effort. For high school I want to maintain my A honor roll position and do well in honors and AP classes. College, I am currently interested in any sports medicine or physical therapy.

Svea Eckstrand