Trygve Olsen '22 Recruiting Profile

Being part of a military family has exposed me to experiences that most students couldn’t even dream of.  I have moved about 8 times in my life, so I am very used to being exposed to, and quickly adapting to, new things.

I have been living and playing soccer in Germany since 2015. Of the many places I've lived, Germany is by far the most exciting. The culture is completely different than that of the States, and it has exposed me to opportunities that I never thought I would get to experience. One of the most significant things about living in a country such as Germany is their love for this game. I've been playing soccer for over 12 years and always dreamed of playing overseas. The German variation of the game is drastically different than that of America. As to be expected, the Germans have incredible tactical knowledge of the game, and the coaches focus on the team's success through quick passes and tactical runs.

For a player like me, who normally relied solely on my speed and technical ability, it was very difficult to adjust to this form of play. However, I’ve been introduced to some incredible people over the past six years, and have the privilege of regularly training in 1:1 sessions with some excellent personal coaches.  Now, after 6 years playing alongside my German teammates and competing against teams from nearby countries like Austria, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Spain, and Belgium, I’ve become very comfortable with the play-style.  

Compared to my peers, the value I will bring to a College Soccer Program is immeasurable. I bring a refined tactical understanding, high-level decision making while on the field, and a commitment of full-time RESPECT for the game. Additionally, and probably the two most important qualities I possess, are a high level of resiliency and the ability to adapt in fast-paced environments. From what I’ve learned, these 2 qualities are extremely rare in kids my age; but... so is moving 8 times, and after that 8th move (at 11 years old), finding yourself walking onto a German pitch where no English is spoken, knowing you’ve got to prove your worth.  My dad reminded me that even though I won't understand the words coming out of anyone's mouth, Soccer -- Fußball, is an international language. I dug down deep, and let my skills do the talking... I made the team. Even better, after about 3 months, I was speaking German!

I have learned to balance my academics with my training in such a way that I have time for both. I am very excited about my future and hope to play soccer at the highest competitive level and get a good education in college.

Please reach out at any time with questions!