Jackson Bauer '22 Recruiting Profile

     Hello, my name is Jackson Bauer. I am a starting defensive midfielder at Huntley High School and for Heat United SC. I have been playing soccer since I was 6, and my love for the game only keeps growing. When I was little, I dreamed of playing college soccer, and now I am working to make that a reality. I aspire to learn and grow each day, so I am looking for a college that has both an excellent academic and athletic program that will challenge me to be the best I can be. 

     What makes me different from other athletes is that I am strong physically, technically, but most importantly I am strong mentally. I go above and beyond the requirements, and I am able to motivate myself to keep pushing when I am tired. I know the outcomes of my decisions on and off the field, and I focus on what I can control rather than the distractions around me. Being mentally strong is a foundation for going to the next level physically and technically, because without drive, focus, and dedication, you can't make it to the next level. I believe my work rate is evidence of my dedication and determination, because I never give up and I give it my all until the whistle.

     My key attributes are my work rate, stamina, strength, vision, passing, and dribbling. Although I primarily play defensive midfielder, I also play center midfielder, attacking midfielder, and center back. When I play defensive midfielder for both school and club, I am used as a destroyer and a deep lying playmaker. I am responsible for winning headers and for stopping the attack, and then starting the counter attack. My coaches have praised me for my ability to control the game and go into tackles strongly. I am always focused and aware of who is around me, and I aim to bring this mentality to the next level.