Justin Kern '22 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing soccer since the age of 5 and immediately developed a love for the game. At 14 I was lucky enough to travel to Amsterdam with my DA team. We trained and competed against the world famous Ajax Soccer Club.  At that moment I could see what the next level of soccer was all about, and the trip inspired me to work harder. Through my hard work I earned a spot at a MLS academy team, being called up to the boys U15 National Camp and moving to Barcelona’s residence academy in Arizona.  

The experience in Arizona taught me valuable life skills for on and off the pitch. I was fully responsible for handling my school and soccer schedule, packing list for away games, all dorm related issues including laundry and basic cleaning.  In addition to gaining more time on the ball, I learned the importance of my teammates, and how they became my soccer family. I feel confident that the experience will better prepare me for the challenges that college will bring.  

Last year I successfully completed the USSF referee training course and on weekends when I have time  I work as a referee but also volunteer as a ref for West Side Soccer in Manhattan.

All of these experiences have taught me many valuable life lessons about focus, commitment, teamwork and what it means to represent your team. 

While I do hope one day to play soccer at the professional level, I am very focused on my academic path and hope to pursue the field of Sports Medicine.