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About Me
I started playing recreation soccer when I was five years old. I also played recreation flag football, basketball, and baseball. I wanted to try all sports that were available to me. I realized after that year, I would be better off picking two out of the four sports and focus on them to perfect my playing ability. I soon realized that even though I was good at baseball, I excelled at soccer more because it helped me deal with my ADHD. Unlike baseball, in soccer I could be more involved in the entire game. My baseball coach was very disappointed that I no longer wanted to play and tried to encourage me to stick with baseball because he believed I would develop into a fantastic utility player, But I felt more comfortable and more confident on the pitch.
I began to see that playing soccer was the best option for me. When I played for my first organized team, I was one of the players who was counted on because of my skills and leadership qualities. The next year I played for the same team and again I was one of the players that excelled faster then my fellow teammates, I also started to see my leadership and decision making skills develop more . When I would see my teammates make poor decisions, I would try and explain a different approach to the plays that we were unable to execute. Positive reinforcement was always a great tool.
The next year most of my teammates decided to try out for the local club team, FC United, now USAMP. I was kind of intimidated by the thought of changing, so I stayed playing recreational soccer level. Although I was placed on a new team, the Red Wolves, I still utilized the skills and leadership qualities and became the voice of the team.
The coach instantly recognized I could be effective at any position. I had the skill to see the field and to recognize plays developing before anyone else, He had me play every position with the confidence that I could get the job done in any situation. We were very successful throughout the seasons and won most of the tournaments we played in. During the off season, I would also play Futsal to improve my ball handling skills and decision making abilities for the speed of this game.
After two years with the Red Wolves I decided to try out for the FC United Soccer Club. I felt that my skills were good enough to make one of the teams for my age group. Unfortunately I only made the third string team. I did not understand the evaluation process the club used to place players on their respective teams. I was very disappointed with the process because it didn't allow me to show what I had to offer. After the evaluations I explained to the evaluating staff that I performed better during game play situations. I knew I was going to have to prove that on the pitch.
To improve my tactical ability and conditioning, I attended numerous Ralph Lundy Soccer Academy camps. That way I could have many different eyes to evaluate my skill set. At RLSA, we wake up at 6:30am to begin training sessions and scrimmages that continue through to 8:00pm only stopping for meals and hydration breaks.
I have been ball boy for the College of Charleston Men’s Soccer team for many years.. As ball boy, I have to pay attention to the game and as a result have been able to learn a lot from watching players at the college level. During the summers I get the opportunity to give back to the community and volunteer coach the younger athletes at the Charleston Battery Soccer Camp. I find it fun to teach young soccer players and see their excitement when they learned a new skill and/or scored a goal.
Currently I am a member of the Charleston Battery FC Black 02 club squad and I play for the Elite tier team for my age. Being undersized, I have improved my speed and my endurance so that I can compete better with the bigger athletes. I also follow a structured strength and conditioning program throughout the year, The program has me lifting weights three times a week in conjunction with a cardio program that I would do on my non lifting days. The programs were developed by my father who is a former A-League / APSL professional mid-fielder and also former NFL / NHL strength and conditioning coach. I wanted to show the club that I am the best defenseman in the club. I am proud to say that my work has paid off because my current coach has started me playing center attacking midfielder along with still playing my normal left defensive back position. I am still working on my game and hope get recruited after high school.Men's Soccer Career
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Measurables
Height
5'9"
Weight
Mile Time
Dominant Foot
