Austin Kirn has helped lead the Wright City soccer team to 11 wins in their first 16 games this season. 

A senior captain, Kirn is the starting midfielder for Wright City. He has played center midfielder for all four years at Wright City. Kirn has scored nine goals and has seven assists for the Wildcats this season. 

When did you start playing soccer? 

I started playing in local leagues when I was four. From then on, I realized I liked it and I went out and played for a club and then it just kept growing from there. 

When did you start playing at the club level competitively?

I’d say about third grade. 

Where have you made the most improvements since you started playing high school soccer? 

I would say once I hit high school, athletically, I really picked it up. After that, just on the attacking side of the ball. I improved dribbling, shooting, putting the ball in the back of the net. 

Was there a challenge adjusting to high school soccer as a freshman?

It was different. I wasn’t really used to the way high school was played. It’s not as technical as club. And I had been playing against kids my own age my whole life. It was different as a freshman stepping on the field with a bunch of seniors. Especially when you’re not used to the way high school ball is played. 

Was there an adjustment with conditioning at the high school level? 

I would say in the beginning stages of high school, I wasn’t the most fit but I made up for it with positioning. As time went on, I got more and more fit and I was able to track up and back a lot more. Get involved a lot more. 

Was there an adjustment with a new coach this year? 

Especially with how small we are, we only have 17 guys on the team. All of us are so close. And having that same coach for so long, it was an adjustment. We didn’t know if we were going to like a new coach. We knew we were going to like him like the second day. He fit right in. Just kind of added him into our little family I guess. 

Do you think it has helped to have a core group of seniors on the team? 

I think having the experienced players along with a new coach helped him out a lot. It definitely helped us out a lot. We were able to set an example for those younger players. 

How do you think the season has gone so far and what do you hope to see the rest of the season? 

The season’s gone great so far. As a team, we’re improving chemistry wise. We’re just moving the ball really well. And then individually, we got players. I’m having a good season. Our strikers are having a fantastic season. Defensively, we’re sound. I do think we have a chance at winning districts this year. I think we have a good chance especially with the work ethic that we all have.

What are the keys to playing well at districts? 

As a captain, I’m going to try to help my team stay calm. When you get to the game and it’s called a district game, it gets to your head. You kind of think this might be it. So you’ve got to just relax and treat it like any other game and just play. 

Is it helpful as a midfielder to have quality strikers? 

I would say my biggest strength in the game is my vision and my passing. So having someone up there that I can rely on to send the ball to, it takes a lot of pressure off my shoulders. 

What are your plans after high school? 

I’m going to go to college. I’m going to study physical therapy. Hopefully play soccer. 

Favorite Food: Pizza 

Favorite Subject: Math 

Ideal Travel Destination: Italy