Get To Know Me (Future of the Game) –  Meredith Proctor 

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

  1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
  2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
  3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

 Meredith Proctor

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Steve and Cathy Proctor 

High School Soccer Team: Burke Girls Varsity Soccer

Position: Anywhere on defense but I am playing Right Back this year. 

Club Team: Nebraska Roots 06G I. 

What grade are you currently in? 9th 

What is your favorite subject in school?

Spanish because learning a new language and about a  different culture is really fun and interesting.

What are your goals as an individual player? What are you doing to achieve those goals?

As an  individual player, I want to become more confident on the field. I also want to focus less on the  outcomes of the game and focus more on what I can do better to grow as a player. I want to achieve  these goals by identifying my weaknesses and putting forth effort towards what needs to be better.

 What goals do you have for your high school team during the 2021 season and beyond?

As a team, I  hope we are always tight-knit like a family on and off the field. As a high school team, we spend so much  time together because of practices almost everyday and games every week. When you are close and  comfortable around your teammates, I feel like it’s a lot easier to communicate with each other and  work well together.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

Kelley O’Hara because she is a powerful female athlete  and I look up to her a lot especially because she plays defense, so I like to watch her to try and  constantly improve my game.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

Get To Know Me (Future of the Game) – Madilynne Warren 

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

  1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
  2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
  3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Madilynne Warren 

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Kelly Warren and Jennifer Warren

High School Soccer Team: Elkhorn South High School (Girls)

Position: Forward

Club Team: Midwest Premier Academy

Grade: 9th grade

 What is your favorite subject in school?

Science because I want to be in the healthcare system when I am older.

What are your goals as an individual player? What are you doing to achieve those goals? 

The goals I have as an individual player are keeping a strong mindset on the game and being a team player. Through wins and losses, mistakes are made on the field. From when you make that mistake you have the mental choice to either give up or keep working hard. That’s the goal I want to keep for myself. When you give up on yourself, you give up on your team. You can only learn from the mistakes that are made while playing soccer. When I lose the ball or make a bad pass, I always remember to tell myself that it’s okay and a few mistakes do not define my play. Being a team player is a strong asset to the game and a developing team. Keeping a mindset like that will build up both myself and my teammates. I am making myself a team player by always having an upbeat attitude with my teammates and always reminding them that they are doing great.

What goals do you have for your high school team during the 2021 season and beyond? What do you hope to accomplish as a group throughout your high school career? 

The goals I have for my high school team during the 2021 season and beyond are working hard as a team to create a bond on and off the field and making it into the state tournament. As a group, I hope to accomplish improved team technical, and social skills, along with long lasting memories and a state champion title.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

My favorite soccer player is Neymar Jr. I enjoy watching him play because of his dedication to the game and how hard he works. Even during tough injuries he pushes through and comes back better than he was before. His hard work on and off the field gives me motivation to always work hard and you can make it far even if people around you don’t believe in you.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

Get To Know Me (Coaching Corner) – Brian Anderson

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

  1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
  2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
  3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Brian Anderson

Name of High School Program: Omaha Burke Girls

Occupation Outside of Coaching: Art teacher at Burke

Favorite Professional Soccer Team: Chelsea FC

Philosophy: Our first goal is to live up to the standards set in the Burke
High School motto, Loyalty, Integrity, Honor. In doing so, we hope to create and maintain a
winning attitude through teaching young women the value of leadership, teamwork, discipline,
toughness (mental & physical), and self-sacrifice. All of this will be integrated into a competitive
environment. You will compete against yourself, your teammates and your opponents. We hope
each young woman will a have a positive experience and develop a sense of pride in Burke High
School. We will teach you to make good decisions. We will teach to you not be afraid to fail. We
will teach you character through winning and more importantly, through losing. We will teach
you to have a competitive drive on and off the field.

Who would you consider to be your soccer mentor? What is the story behind your selection? How did they help you in your soccer journey?

Mike Bailey. He was head boys coach at Burke when I started my coaching career in
2003 with the boys team. I worked as his JV coach and his Varsity Assistant. He taught me everything he knew and was an amazing example to try and emulate. Much of which I still do today.

Describe a favorite soccer memory that you have been involved with. This memory could be from your playing or coaching experiences. Tell us the story and impact of this memory.

Beating #1 seeded Norfolk in the 2017 District Semifinal as the #4 seed. We had had THE most
injury plagued season I have ever been a part of. We had 9 concussions, an ACL tear, and ankle
sprain, a thigh bruise and 2 bouts of stomach bugs and a GK with a back injury. It was a year of
constant changes and adjustments. I had some fierce competitors sidelined with concussions that
couldn’t STAND not playing. We had some heart-to heart talks about what was most important
in life; playing now or dealing with brain issues at age 25. We followed all the rules and did
things the right way and finally had my entire team at full strength (minus the ACL tear) for the
first round of districts. We went in as the 4th seed, traveled to #1 seed Norfolk and beat them 3-1!
It wasn’t just the win, but how hard the players battled all season and never gave up when it
would have been so easy to just call it quits.

List and describe three important pillars or values of your program. What is the culture of your program built on? What do they mean to you?

1. Competition
2. Don’t be afraid to fail
3. Toughness, both mental and physical
Team unity. When all players are putting the team before self, good things happen.
All of these things combined mean I am more concerned about helping shape young women that will be successful in life BECAUSE they played soccer. Sports teach so many things, and I try to focus on all of those aspects that AREN’T soccer before and during the coaching of the game I love.

What is your motivation for coaching? This is a time-consuming and challenging occupation. Why do you do it? 

I love the feel of belonging and community that sports brings.
Being an art teacher, I am certified to teach K-12 and one of the main reasons I chose to teach at
the secondary level was that school pride that sports can bring to a school. Also I love being able
to connect with and get to know students that DON’T take art. I always have some soccer players
in my art classes, but I would miss out on knowing some pretty amazing humans if I didn’t coach
too!

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

 

Get To Know Me (Player Spotlight) – Laine Alber

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

  1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
  2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition)This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state. 
  3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Laine Alber

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Kathy Alber and Corey Alber

High School Soccer Team: Burke Girls Varsity Soccer 

Position: I normally play goalie 

Club Team: I play for SOFC

Grade: I am currently a junior

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? 

My favorite subject in school is either math or science, but I specifically love chemistry. I like STEM classes because they always have a specific answer to each question and I love the challenge of finding that one answer.

What are your future plans? 

Currently, my plan is to go to a college somewhere in town or in the state and my dream school is Creighton! I want to major in biology or chemistry in hopes of following the pre-pharmacy track to become a pharmacist when I am older!

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why? 

My favorite soccer player is Rose Lavelle on the US women’s national soccer team! I have loved her ever since she joined the team, mainly because she was such a young player that was living out every little girl’s dream. I have always looked up to the women’s national team because they are so extremely talented and dedicated, so when Lavelle joined the team, she was just another great addition that contributed so much to the game. 

Throughout your high school career, you have undoubtedly learned many lessons and matured as a player. Based on those lessons and experiences, give three pieces of advice to your freshman self. 

I have learned so much about myself as a soccer player throughout my high school career and I am so incredibly grateful for all of the memories I have made by being a part of Burke’s soccer team. To my freshman self, I would say to remember the love I have for soccer; I tend to get so wrapped up in my own thoughts during games and practices that soccer becomes more of a stressor than a blessing. I often need to remind myself that the love I have for this sport is stronger than anything else and that I need to resort to that love and passion when I am facing hardships.

Another piece of advice I would have for my freshman self is to start viewing each game and practice as a new opportunity to improve and get better. Every failure and success has taught me so much in my soccer career and it all allows me to improve as a player, so it is always helpful to have that growth mindset that focuses on my progress rather than my struggles.

The final piece of advice I would have for my freshman self is to cherish each moment that I am able to play soccer with my teammates at Burke. With our season being cancelled last year because of the pandemic, everything has been put into perspective for me and I never want to take my high school soccer experience for granted again. I have formed so many life-long friendships by playing for Burke and the memories I have made with this team will continue to stick with me for the rest of my life. 

Who has helped you become the player that you are today? How did they help you? Is there anything you would like to tell them? 

Without a doubt, my sister Payton Alber has helped me become the soccer player and person I am today. I owe absolutely everything to her; she has taught me everything I know and she is truly the person I look up to most. Payton helps me stay grounded in life and she is constantly encouraging me to be hardworking and give 100% on and off the field. I remember growing up and watching her play soccer her entire life, so naturally I wanted to start playing soccer as well. My sister has always come to my soccer games and practiced soccer with me in our backyard; she has always been my number one supporter and I cannot thank her enough for it. 

Could you see yourself coaching soccer someday? Is that a path that you are interested in following? If so, why? 

I could easily see myself coaching soccer someday! I do not think I will ever lose passion for this sport so I would love to see myself pass on my love for soccer to another generation of kids. In my day to day life, I would not consider myself a leader, but this completely changes when I step onto the soccer field. Soccer gives me a sense of confidence and authority that I often lack in other parts of my life. Being a soccer coach would allow me to step up as a leader and teach kids about this amazing sport and hopefully give them the confidence that I gain from soccer as well. 

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

Get To Know Me (Player Spotlight) – Camdyn Pilkington 

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

  1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
  2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition)This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state. 
  3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

 Camdyn Pilkington

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Mark and Janna Pilkington

High School Soccer Team: Elkhorn South Girls Soccer

Position: Outside back, defensive mid

Club Team: Midwest Premier Academy

Grade: 11th

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? Chemistry because my teacher is awesome, and we are always doing something fun or interesting experiments.

What are your future plans? Go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and do something in the medical field, I don’t plan to play college soccer.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

I would say my favorite soccer player is Julie Ertz because I have always followed her and liked her as a player and as a person. I think the foundation she created with her husband is really cool, and I like that she makes an impact on and off the field.

Throughout your high school career, you have undoubtedly learned many lessons and matured as a player. Based on those lessons and experiences, give three pieces of advice to your freshman self. 

My sophomore season got cancelled due to COVID and that taught me to not take anything for granted, because anything can be taken from you in a heartbeat. Don’t get caught up in whether you’re a starter or not, you don’t have to start or play the entire game to be a contributor to the teams success. Have fun. High school flies by and especially losing an entire season has taught me to just have fun and take in every moment because it’ll be over before you know it.

Who has helped you become the player that you are today? How did they help you? Is there anything you would like to tell them?

Definitely my parents. They have always supported me and been there for me, and I definitely don’t thank them enough for what they have done for me, so thank you Mom and Dad!

Could you see yourself coaching soccer someday? Is that a path that you are interested in following? If so, why?

I could definitely see myself coaching someday, because I want to keep soccer in my life, and since I am probably not playing after high school, I would love to coach to continue being around the sport.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

Get To Know Me (Future of the Game) – Teagan Lynch

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

  1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
  2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
  3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Teagan Lynch

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Christine Lynch and Michael Lynch

High School Soccer Team: Millard North High School Girls Varsity

Position: Center Mid

Grade: 9th

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

My favorite subject in school is writing- especially journalism. I enjoy learning new things and then writing about them to bring awareness and knowledge to others.

What are your goals as an individual player? What are you doing to achieve those
goals?

I want to go state all four years of high school and continue to improve my skills. Working hard
in practice everyday and always trying to get better is helping me to achieve these goals.

What goals do you have for your high school team during the 2021 season and beyond?
What do you hope to accomplish as a group throughout your high school career?

My goals for my high school team is to not only qualify for state but do well or win it and bond
with my teammates. I think creating friendships that will last a lifetime is one of the most
important things.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

My favorite soccer player is Pelé because he really changed the game of soccer when he
played. He also started from very little, but his determination and love for the game drove him to
become the best.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

 

Get To Know Me (Player Spotlight) – Ruby Kirk

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

  1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
  2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
  3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Ruby Kirk

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Patrick Kirk and Nancy Kirk

High School Soccer Team: Elkhorn South Girls Soccer Team

Position: Forward

Club Team: I play for Midwest Premier Academy on the 04 girls NPL team (shoutout coach Doug and Digger!)

Grade: I am currently a junior.

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? My favorite subject would have to be chemistry. Something about balancing equations is just fun for me.

What are your future plans? My future plan is to attend college and play division 1 soccer. The challenging part is finding the correct school!

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

My favorite soccer player would have to be Alex Morgan. She’s just been a huge inspiration to me since I was a young girl. I basically grew up watching her. I think she’s a great female icon for women of all ages. And she wears #13 (which is my number too.)

Throughout your high school career, you have undoubtedly learned many lessons and matured as a player. Based on those lessons and experiences, give three pieces of advice to your freshman self. 

I have learned so much and the three things I would say would be as follows:

  • Hard work pays off, so if you’re always working your hardest and doing your best good things will come.
  • You pave your own path for your future, so block out what others have to say.
  • Being a good teammate is just as important as being a good player individually, so always make sure you’re on the same page as your peers.

Who has helped you become the player that you are today? How did they help you? Is there anything you would like to tell them?

There has honestly been too many people to count. All of my coaches, family, and friends have had huge impacts on me and my love for the game of soccer. The girls who I play with on my club team have definitely been the most impactful. Some of my teammates have been playing soccer with me since the age of 5. I wouldn’t give up the time spent with them for anything. I’ve learned so many lessons and shared tons of memories with those girls and they have not only made me the person I am today, but have also increased my love and skill in regards to soccer.

Could you see yourself coaching soccer someday? Is that a path that you are interested in following? If so, why?

I could definitely see myself coaching soccer one day. I plan to have kids and they will definitely be playing as soon as they can kick a ball, and I don’t think I’d mind being their coach too!

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Get To Know Me (Player Spotlight) – Haley Peterson

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

  1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
  2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
  3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Haley Peterson

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Pete and Andrea Peterson

High School Soccer Team: Lincoln East Girls Soccer

Position: Center Mid

Club Team: Villarreal Nebraska

Grade: Senior

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? My favorite subject is math because it’s challenging but I understand it and always has a right answer

What are your future plans?: Next year I will attend the University of Nebraska Lincoln to continue my academic and soccer career.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

I don’t necessarily have a favorite player, but if I had to choose I would pick Mbappé. He is very fun to watch, plays with a lot of style, and is very skillful off the dribble.

Throughout your high school career, you have undoubtedly learned many lessons and matured as a player. Based on those lessons and experiences, give three pieces of advice to your freshman self.

Hard work pays off, put in the time and make yourself better every day. Believe in
yourself. Live in the moment and do not take anything for granted.

Who has helped you become the player that you are today? How did they help you? Is there anything you would like to tell them?

There are many people who have helped me to get to where I am today like my past
teammates and coaches. One person that always comes to mind is my old coach, Jo Rosenberger, not only did she teach me so much about the game of soccer, but she
taught me the importance of hard work and practice. She always challenged me to be
the best I could be and then some. I would like to thank her for helping shape me into
the player I have come to be.

Could you see yourself coaching soccer someday? Is that a path that you are interested in following? If so, why?

I could see myself coaching someday. Soccer is something I am really passionate about, and I want to share that with others. I have thought about coaching one day because of how big of an impact my coaches have had on me.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Get To Know Me (Future of the Game) – Annie Mulder

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

  1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
  2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
  3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Annie Mulder

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Jane and Dan Mulder

High School Soccer Team: Lincoln East Girls Varsity

Position: Center back

Club Team: Gretna Elite Academy ENCL 04

Grade: Sophomore 

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

My favorite subject in school is science because I think it’s fun learning about some many different things.

What are your goals as an individual player? What are you doing to achieve those goals?

One of my goals as an individual player is to play division one college soccer. To achieve this goal I train daily and surround myself with players and coaches who will help me to get there. I also maintain good grades.

What goals do you have for your high school team during the 2021 season and beyond? What do you hope to accomplish as a group throughout your high school career?

A main goal I have for my high school team is to win state! Beyond that goal I hope for my team to become a close knit group that everyone can rely on if anyone would need help in or outside of soccer. I hope to accomplish us as a team, always improving, to work together, and become a concern for all other teams in the state.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

My favorite soccer player is Julie Ertz. She’s my favorite because I really love the intensity she has when playing the game. She’s very aggressive and gets things done no matter how challenging it may be. Her movement on the field is another thing I really admire about her. One day I hope to be somewhat compared to how she plays!

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Get To Know Me (Coaching Corner) – Andre Watts

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

  1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
  2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
  3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Andre Watts

Name of High School Program: Papillion LaVista Monarchs Boys  (11th year)

 Club Team: Gretna Elite Academy Girls 2013 assistant

Occupation Outside of Coaching: Elementary Art Teacher Portal and Golden Hills Elem

Favorite Professional Soccer Team: Liverpool

Soccer Idol (Player or Coach): Brazilian Ronaldo

Who would you consider to be your soccer mentor? What is the story behind your selection? How did they help you in your soccer journey?

Jay Mims-Union Omaha-Back when he was with Creighton we played on several indoor and outdoor teams together and have always just talked soccer.  When he was at UNO I was able to attend practices and training sessions.  Over the years, he has always been someone willing to share ideas with young coaches.  He even provided a free leadership seminar over the Covid break in 2020. Jay has gone out of his way to include me in some amazing soccer experiences.

Describe a favorite soccer memory that you have been involved with. This memory could be from your playing or coaching experiences. Tell us the story and impact of this memory.

Getting to the state semifinal in 2019 a year after we had only won 4 total games in the previous season.  You start to question if what you are doing is reaching the student-athletes and then something like this run we went on validates everything and provided memories that will last a lifetime.

List and describe three important pillars or values of your program. What is the culture of your program built on? What do they mean to you? 

-Quality-Family, School, and Soccer

-Giving Back-Community

-Enjoy the Process as success comes in many forms.

I try to provide a variety of opportunities for my players to grow as individuals within their family, school, and team.  We feel that giving back is important as all of the people came before them provided the opportunities that they now take part in. The experience should be a fun one…don’t get so caught up in outcomes as much as enjoying each soccer opportunity and time with the team while learning how to play the game.

What is your motivation for coaching? This is a time-consuming and challenging occupation. Why do you do it? 

I guess it’s all tied to that idea of giving back. So many people in my younger years provided quality coaching to me and it’s my turn to pay it forward.  The relationships you build with your players are what keep me in the coaching world. I now have a few former players who are getting into coaching themselves and being a mentor to them is very rewarding.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.