Aaron Zamor '24 Recruiting Profile

The moment I saw a soccer ball, I was hooked! I used to watch my brother play, and I could not wait to get on the field. So as soon as I reached a coachable age, I started playing for my local German team in the 850-year-old town of Hettenleidelheim, Germany. Hettenleidelheim, fondly called "Hettrum" was home, and as an American, I stuck out, but I learned to love the game pretty quickly. 

What sets me apart from other American players is my ability to speak both German and English. Since I was four, I have played in the German league, DFB (Deutsche Fussball Bund). I have continued to play soccer in several different soccer clubs since I began and currently start as an offensive player for my American school, Kaiserslautern High School and annually, TSG e.V. Kaiserslautern.  As a soccer player, I am ambipedal, meaning I can play and score on both sides (left and right feet) of the field. This ability has helped me become a pretty flexible player that has helped out my level of play defensively and benefited my teammates. 

Playing soccer in the German system has given me a lot of great opportunities. I have been able to experience different play styles, playing with people from Germany and Turkey, England, Russia, Albania, and America. Playing with people from so many other places has been a pretty exciting experience, and I've had a chance to learn different play styles from those players. Also, being around people from so many different countries has allowed me to make many diverse friends and adapt to different playing styles and environments. However, playing with a lot of other cultures also had some drawbacks that I had to overcome. 

I have had some obstacles to get where I am now in my level of play and the adult I am becoming. I stand out due to my appearance, and I had challenges assimilating amongst my school-aged peers as a younger athlete. Fortunately, as I have matured and aged, I have been embraced by my local national counterparts and enjoy playing in the Deutsche Fußball Bund. Living overseas and adapting to multiple cultures allows for personal growth and strength of character in overcoming challenges set before you. Overall, you have to adapt and overcome your fears and insecurities to succeed in new environments.

My junior year at Kaiserslautern High School, I have achieved several of my athletic goals to include the distinction of being designated DoDEA Europe European Soccer All-Tournament Team, Division I.  Now, I hope to serve as the rising Captain my senior year for KHS Soccer Team, SY 23/24. Also I continue to strive for high academic achievement and upon graduation, pursue a bachelor's degree in a sports management related field of study. Official or unofficial, I mentor and lead other younger, inexperienced student-athletes during high school. I host soccer training sessions, including parent and student-athlete sessions, to help American players navigate the Deutsche Fussball system for playing experience. I also work with students with disabilities to support development of their social speaking skills. 

This introduction is just a snapshot of the person and player I am. As you follow my profile, I hope that you will take the opportunity to monitor my growth as a soccer player and student-athlete.

Aaron James Zamor