Kelsey Barton '19 Recruiting Profile

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Growing up I was very interested in sports and competed in tennis, golf and downhill skiing. My favorite, though, was soccer. I started playing at the age of 6. The first team was an all boys’ team which I thought was great, because at every practice and every game I had to show that I was just as strong, fast and technical as the boys were. When I was 13 I joined the local women’s team as a right wing midfielder. Now I could use my physique, play intelligence and shooting technique. I always strived to be playable but also to create space for my team-mates.

In 2013 I was admitted to a high school, Fria Laroverken, with a national merit-based soccer-program. Besides soccer practice we had classes in leadership, physiology and nutrition. In the beginning of 2015 I was recruited to division 2 team Linkoping Kenty DFF, where I developed into a central defender. In this position I could communicate with my team-mates and be a part of building our offensive game through accurate passes. By reading the game I was efficient in stopping opponents, through line-breaking passes and tackles. I also contributed to the offensive game with mid-range free-kicks and headers at corner kicks. In 2017 I was chosen Team Captain for Linkoping Kenty DFF and I led our team to 2nd place in division 2.

While I thrived in soccer, I was diagnosed with a learning disability in reading and writing. I stayed positive and continued playing soccer. Today I have overcome most difficulties and my disability mainly affects me while taking tests with time-restraints, such as the SAT. However, I do set high educational standards for myself, within my capabilities. Besides becoming a soccer player of high caliber, I would like pursue a Bachelor of Psychology, with emphasis on leadership and sports. I enjoy many sports and consider a future career in sports management and working with young people in community projects.

My current team is IFK Norrkoping FK where I play as a wingback. Being a defensive player while taking part in the offensive game is one of my strengths. This season we have achieved 2nd place in Division 1 and it has been considered the one team’s best results in years. Through rigorous trainings and matches this past year I have continued to build my physique, and further developed technical and analytical skills.

I have made my coaches aware of the fact that I am planning to go to college starting fall of 2019, and if that becomes a reality my contract with IFK Norrkoping FK will end in June without penalties. Continuing to shape my life as an athlete, I am ready to take the step into college-soccer and hope to find a match.