Nathan Raatz '19 Recruiting Profile

I started playing club soccer at a very young age. For the first 6 years I played at the appropriate age level. However, when I turned 9, I had the opportunity to play up to the next age group. It was a hard decision for my parents because I was small for my age but after much discussion they decided to allow me to play up. I am glad they did. Playing at the higher level pushed me to become a better player. Ball handling skills, increase in self-confidence, better body conditioning all improved within a short amount of time. Within 6 months I was playing on a team one higher; a 9-year-old playing with 12-year-olds. Seven years later at the age of 16 I continue to play with U19, challenging myself to become better.

Playing soccer has taught me two very valuable life lessons. What many may see as a set-back or a reason/excuse to give up, I saw as a reason to persevere. Second, be open to change. Throughout all my years of playing club soccer and the first 2 years of high school I played mid-field; offensive, defensive and outside. Last year I was asked to play center full back for club. When the high school’s varsity coach heard this, he came to watch me play. Last year not only did I start on varsity as center full back, I never left the field and was honored with 2^nd team all-conference in one of the toughest conferences in Wisconsin. I am a better athlete and a better person because of these early life lessons.

Today I am in search of a college that will continue to push me athletically and academically. Though I believe I have the talent, character, work-ethics and leadership skills to compete at the collegiate level. I understand the importance of being open and the willingness to learn.