- 2020 Highlights
Personal Statement
My name is Stanley “Alex” Dixon, and I am in the graduating class of 2022 at Volcano Vista High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I play for NM Rush 04, primarily as a center back, but I can also play holding-mid.
In my first year of high school, I was one of two freshmen that was selected to play on the Volcano Vista (1-AAAAA, highest classification in New Mexico) varsity soccer team. I started every game in the midfield that year, as my team went on to the semi-finals the New Mexico State Tournament. I won New-Comer of the Year and had a good start to my high school career. As a sophomore, my coach moved me to center back, and I went on to make 1st-team All-District and 2nd-team All-State. I was also voted team MVP as we again went on to the High School State playoffs.
I joined the NM Rush 04 team in the summer of 2019. Prior to joining this team, I played a year up on NM Pateadores 03 for many years. This year we participated in National League and Desert Conference League. I was invited to play with Rush Select 04 Blue team in the top bracket of the Presidents Day Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona and was invited to play again in Sweden. I am currently part of the New Mexico United (USL Championship) High Performance Program and have been recognized as one of the best players in the state. I have played ODP for a few years for the 04 NM ODP team. In 2018 our team made it to the ODP West Championship. I was selected to go to the West Regional Camp 4 years in a row.
Playing soccer at a high level for so long has taught me a lot on and off the field. Before this last year, I had always played a year above my age. My team would also play futsal in a men's league, which prepared me for playing against bigger and stronger opponents. I learned that you don’t always need to play as hard when you can play smart and outwit your opponent. Growing up my coach really emphasized footwork and touching the ball. I feel like I can keep the ball glued to my foot just because of how much I have touched the ball over the years. Being able to do whatever I want with the ball allows me to be able to relax and really feel the game.
My high school and club coaches, who both played division 1 soccer and played in the USL and MLS, have always made mention of my physical dominance on the field. Since I am 6'3" and have an athletic build, I am able to win most arial balls in crossing or clearing situations. My speed, quickness and agility also allow me to disrupt and stop most attacks from any level of player. Furthermore, they note that I am technically very clean on the ball. My first touch always puts me in a good spot to distribute the ball on a dime to players all over the field. They also like my soccer IQ. I am able to read the game and put myself in the right positions defensively and in the attack. I am still working on communicating my understanding of the game to all of my teammates as I organize them in front of me. However, my coaches are helping me with this and I will progress. Finally, my coaches also note that I am mentally and emotionally always checked in and ready to train and play.
Academically, I am an A/B student. Growing up, I had a very intense practice schedule, with 2+ hours of practice almost everyday. I think having such a demanding schedule has forced me to find balance between my academics and athletics through time management. Since my freshman year, I have taken multiple AP and Honors classes. I have enjoyed taking AP World History and Computer Graphics. I hope to do more with computers as I continue with my academics. Although I’m undecided on a major at this time, my goal is to improve my grades in order to get into a quality school.
I’m looking forward to beginning the next step in being a student athlete in college. I have enjoyed high school and being a leader on the Varsity team. I hope to continue leading by example in college and beyond.
