Joey Schaefer '22 Recruiting Profile

I am Joey Schaefer and currently, I am 17 years old, close to 5’7” tall, and weigh approximately 140 lbs. I play CAM for my club team, Lou Fusz Phillips 04 and finished playing Varsity at Parkway South High School as a starting Left Back.

According to my mom, I have been playing soccer since I was 18 months old, starting out with an indoor toddler program. I actually joined my first real team at the local YMCA when I was 4 years old.

Over the years, I have played every position, experienced what it’s like to really be part of a team, and just simply worked on improving my skills and getting better at the game overall.

As for school, I consistently earn A’s  and B's and work hard in class. I am very musically inclined and I also am on the debate team.  Which is pretty new for me, but I enjoy it. It helps me speak more confidently and keep up with current events. 

One of my greatest challenges of my soccer career was the first time I had to switch club teams. In addition to just being hard to leave my friends, I went from being one of the best players and a team leader, to having to prove myself and earn my spot on the new team. I was successful but it taught me to never stop practicing and that there’s always more to learn. I strive to challenge myself and desire to have to work hard for a starting position. I care more about being the best I can be rather than be the best player on the team. It does not matter who I play for I will always be a selfless team player. I am smart with the ball and talk a lot on the field; I try to control the game. I know that it doesn't matter who scores - whether it's me or a teammate, all that matters is the ball is in the back of the net. The only way you can win games is by scoring goals. 

My most favorite soccer memory was my Sophomore year in high school. We were in a match against a team we hadn't beat in ten years, including the previous year's playoff game. With less than a minute left before the game went into penalty kicks, the score was tied and I stole the ball from their captain in our half and drove through the midfield. I really believe I could have taken it all the way in; however, the smart decision was to play the ball forward to my teammate.  I played a through ball to my teammate who took a shot from 35 yards out and it floated right over the goalie's head and into the goal. The celebration was amazing! Our entire team ran over to our bench screaming. Seconds later, the ball was played from the starting line and the sweet sound of the whistle blew, ending our ten year losing streak to one of our biggest rivals! The goal scorer ran over and hugged me then picked me up and paraded me around. It's a very bright moment I will certainly never forget.