School: Warrenton 

Grade: Senior

Club team: O’Fallon Fury 

School activities: Soccer and volleyball 

Favorite athlete: “Messi. I’ve always loved Messi growing up.”

If you could play another position, what would it be? “I would go back to center mid. I feel like I could make a good impact there.” 

What’s your secret talent? “I can solve a rubix cube.” 

Favorite post-game meal: “Whatever my parents make me.” 

Hot take: “I think Messi is better than Ronaldo.” 

When did you start playing soccer?

“Probably when I was around five years old. I played in the little kid rec league.”

Did you play any other sports growing up?

“I played basketball for a little bit, t-ball and track for a little.” 

Have you always played forward?

“No, I actually haven’t. I used to always play midfield. I had some forward experience when we used to play a false nine, but (coach John) Schulte saw my attacking abilities and put me as a forward my sophomore year.” 

What was that transition like?

“It was definitely a little weird but I feel like I adapted very fast to it and I was able to play well in a spot I wasn’t so experienced in.” 

What are some differences with playing club versus high school soccer?

“I would say club is a lot more technical since not everyone in high school plays club ball, so it’s a lot more fast paced and everyone has good technical abilities with the ball.” 

Is there a goal you’ve scored that sticks out to you as the most memorable?

“My most memorable goal I can think of off the top of my head was last year against Winfield. There were four minutes left and I scored a header from a corner kick. There were two people marking me, so I had to go around two people to score the header.” 

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

“Definitely breaking the single-season goal record.” 

What’s your go-to celebration after scoring?

“Normally, I just put up my fist as like a ‘lets’ go.’”

What goals do you have for your senior year?

“Probably to go undefeated this season. I feel like we have a great chance to do that. We also want to go far in districts – that’s the biggest goal.” 

When shooting, do you rely more on instinct or strategy?

“It’s all instinct. I’ve been in front of the net so much, that it kind of just happens. Whenever I’m one-on-one with the goalie, I look at spots in the net and think ‘should I shoot here or there?’ but eventually my instincts lead me to the right spot.” 

Do you want to play in college?

“Definitely.” 

What’s your favorite sports memory?

“During club season, it’s always fun going to away tournaments in different states and staying in a hotel with my friends and hanging out, having fun.” 

Do you have any superstitions before a game?

“Sometimes my socks won’t feel right, so I have to completely redo it and take my shoes off until they feel right in my cleats.”