- 2018 Highlights #2
Personal Statement
I was born in Germany (I'm a German citizen), but grew up in the US (California & Virgina) and in The Netherlands. We moved back to the US in 2017 during my Sophomore year in high school.
My interest in soccer started when I was 5 years old. While living in Blacksburg, VA, we watched the 2006 Soccer World Cup taken place in Germany. After each game I watched, I went outside with my father to 'replay the game'.
I have been playing soccer at a club level since I was six years old (2008-2016 @ Woenselse Boys in Eindhoven, The Netherlands). After our move to the US in January 2017, I played for Columbus Crew SC in the Pre-Academy 2001 team. This season, I play in Ohio Premier's 00/01 ECNL team.
Playing in college is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Ultimately, I dream playing soccer professionally. To understand better what US college soccer is about, I attend the home games of Ohio State’s men’s and women’s soccer teams as often as possible.
I am a team player, very coachable and strive to be one of the hardest working players, on and off the field. I have excellent ball handling skills combined with very good tactical skills. Part of this is coming from 2 years extra training sessions with the Voetballacademie (Soccer academy) Toppers in Eindhoven, NL (2014-2016) - focusing on the Dutch soccer approach for ball handling, motoric skills, observation, technique & quick decision making / automatism. I love the quick passing of the ball. My size and my stamina (I also run track) helps to play as a central defender. I understand tactics, positioning (as a team), coaching on the field, and the constant motion of the game. One of the feedbacks I got from a college coach was that I have a high Soccer IQ.
After playing at the 2017 CASL showcase as starting CB, this is one of the feedbacks I got from a top school: "What caught our eye, was your patience and confidence on the ball.".
In the classroom, I study hard and consistently maintain a high GPA. I attended the International School Eindhoven, following the MYP and IB program. Now, at the Upper Arlington High School I have chosen to follow the IB program again in my Junior and Senior year. My main interest is in science, especially physics and mathematics, but also in business. I speak 3 languages fluently: English, German, Dutch & I'm learning Spanish in school.
I want to attend a college where I can push myself in the classroom and on the field. I want to ultimately find the right match for a college at the highest level of competition possible. I hope to become a great role model to all my peers and make my parents proud.
