Xander Ochsner '20 Recruiting Profile

My interest in soccer comes from the fact that my father has coached for over 20 years and all three of my siblings play soccer as well and my mom supports all our soccer activities.  

As a junior in high school, I have been on the varsity high school team since my Freshman year.  I have been playing soccer since I was 5 years old and over those years have been able to practice and develop my skills which have made me a very effective soccer player.  My skills I am most proud of are an appropriate first touch, a vision of the field, a powerful shot, accurate passing and confident in close spaces which have all led to my skills as an attacking center midfield even though I have also played striker and center back and defensive midfield.

Looking back over the last 3 years, I have been fortunate to start on all my club and high school teams but two soccer experiences stand out as examples of my passion for soccer.  In 2017, while playing for the Rovers, our team had made it to the semi-state finals in my age group for Kentucky. The game was very competitive when I had the opportunity to take a free kick for our team.  It was well outside the box and as I struck the ball and watched it went into the goal and gave our team a 1-0 lead.  In 2018, on a different club team in the state finals, we were down and instead of scoring goals I was able to contribute by having two assist that game that tied it in regulation.  In both those examples, we lost each game in PK's but I can honestly say I gave it all I had and giving my best is what continues to be my motivation to keep playing.

I have also realized that my grades are very important in high school and continue to study hard and make good grades.  My drive to do well in soccer only happens because of the effort I am giving in school.  My junior year of high school has been a challenge but I continue to do well in school and soccer.  My high school team won sectionals and I found out that I was selected as a 1st team district player and will represent my district in Indianapolis at the District Showcase Tourney during the weekend of November 17th and 18th.  During this time they will be selecting the All-State team which I am hoping I will represent myself good enough to be selected.