Personal Statement
Hello, my name is Joseph Hawker and I am currently a senior at Lawrence High School in Lawrence, KS. I have played soccer since 6th grade, when I joined my middle school team (Topeka Collegiate School), and hope to continue playing into college, most likely for a 2nd or 3rd division school. This year I am on varsity at Lawrence High, and so far have gotten decent playing time (40-45 minutes per game). LHS plays in the Sunflower League, one of the tougher leagues in the state (opponents are usually from the KC metro area). I generally play as a center or defensive midfielder, with emphasis on filling in the gaps in the back line and finding the options out wide when in possession. However, I am capable of playing elsewhere, such as an outside mid (LHS varisty coach Mike Murphy prefers a 3-4-3 formation) and an outside back, a position I played every game at during last spring's club season (with Sporting Kaw Valley). This position played into my strengths, which include defending, man-marking, intercepting passes, and crossing from either side, both from a wide or deep position. I am also good at making accurate passes and am comfortable passing/shooting with either foot. Although I like to take shots from distance, I feel I could improve on making sure such shots are on frame rather than high or wide. My main weaknesses are acceleration (I have good endurance but average speed), occasionally panicking and making sloppy passes when in tight spaces or under pressure, and playing more complex passes when deployed in a central role. I could also improve on creating shot opportunities for myself.
As for character and academics, I am generally hardworking and am good at not giving up on schoolwork until it is finished. I have minimal tardies, a GPA of 3.4, and a majority of A and B grades. On the pitch, I enjoy meeting and working with my teammates and will respect the coaching staff anf listen to the advice and information they give to the team. Although a bad game can sometimes hurt my confidence, I am always ready to play again and I go into every game believing my side can earn a tie or a win, no matter how good the competition.
CURRENT SEASON (LHS Varisty, 2019-so far) 1 goal, 50-75 minutes per game
CLUB SEASON (SKV, Spring 2019) 1 goal, 4 assists, 65-80 minutes per game
Thanks for reading and showing interest!
