Personal Statement
I played soccer casually growing up with my first competitive soccer being my freshman year in high school. I never thought of playing soccer competitively but a local HS soccer coach saw me playing church rec ball and offered me a scholarship on the spot. Just like that, my journey began. I knew to compete I was going to have to work 10 times harder than everyone else…so I did. I went from eight goals as a freshman, to 24 goals as a sophomore and was selected All Conference, All State and All Super Region. We won a State Title. I was selected as the United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Week twice! I scored 28 goals in my junior year and finished my senior season with 30 goals and 15 assists (won another State title). I ended my high school career with 90 goals and 41 assists.
I tried out for club after my sophomore season in high school and made the top travel team. I was the worst player on that U17 club team. I got better. I just finished my second season in club as the leading scorer. Our club team (U18 CSA Matthews Kings) finished ranked 198th in the nation. I focused on preparing for my body so I have D1 college level strength, speed and agility. I want to double down on my assets by becoming even stronger, faster and more explosive. Last spring I tested my abilities against some of the best HS players in the nation at a Wingate University ID Camp (D2 National Champs) and scored a hat trick in the final showcase game (all three goals in the last 20 minutes to win the game 4-3). I am currently working out with the CSA U19 Premier National Team and hope to join them soon.
I feel I have a nose for the net, strong legs, speed and a ton of raw athleticism. My dad, mom and uncle all played D1 athletics for the University of Nebraska so I know what it takes to play at this level. I am a two-time team captain and I lead by giving everything I have on the practice field as well as the game pitch. I am extremely coachable with a high motor and a willingness to push through pain to reach team goals.
In the classroom, I study hard and maintain a 4.25 GPA. I am currently producing a WW2 veteran documentary and love filmmaking. I also volunteer at my local church. I don’t know where this journey will take me, but I do know that it has produced in me a drive that will take me as far as I can imagine and possibly beyond. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope our journey’s cross paths in the future.
Kolden