Zachary Zoellner-Krauss '21 Recruiting Profile

I have a thirst for knowledge and a curious nature and am open to, and enjoy learning, in any capacity. I explore my education and sport with a growth mindset; recognizing that through practice, instruction and effort I will realize my full potential.

I have always wanted to know the purpose and intent of my learning in order to reflect upon it and improve on my own academic and personal development.

I regularly volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of HPEC assisting with office duties and interaction with the community during the annual RibFest event. I have enjoyed participating in various sport clubs at school (Soccer, Track & Field, Cross Country, and Basketball). I also participated on the Improv team which was a really unique and rewarding experience. I actively attend Chess club as strategic gaming is one of my most favorite hobbies. In Grade 5 I placed 25^th at the Ontario Provincial Championships for Chess. I enjoy “cubing” as well (Rubik’s Cube) and in elementary school was very enterprising, charging a small fee to any kid who wanted me to solve their cube!

I enjoy healthy competition both physically and mentally.

I love immersing myself in cultural experiences (travel, theatre, arts, food) and find that I am most drawn to people whose culture is different from my own.

No one accomplishes their goals alone and I have been inspired, mentored, and empowered to succeed by various teachers and coaches I have had along my journey. However, my parents and family are my biggest champions. They are just as invested in my academic and sport career as I am.

I am a product of Grassroots Soccer having played soccer as a Timbit (age 3) up to U13, the player pathway whereby the first experiences of soccer are fun and enjoyable. The environment allowed for learning and mastering fundamental soccer skills while having fun rather than winning at all costs. As a U14 and to present U17 the Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) program has seen my dedication and perseverance to the game progress.

I live in a small city with a population of approximately 60,000 people. We travel an hour multiple times each week so that I can attend soccer in a larger city, however my exposure to higher level of play is somewhat controlled. I continue to take every opportunity that comes to play soccer at the highest level available to me. For the past 2 years I have been playing up an age division. I am a Junior Gael - Kingston Clipper and our club is affiliated with Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. I am fortunate enough to have direct coaching from Christian Hoefler, Queen’s University head coach, and often play against and at times practice with Queen’s Varsity players.

I have been exposed to many different sports (Gymnastics, Skating, Ball Hockey, Karate, T-Ball; and Swimming) and actually took a short break from soccer when I was younger. I couldn’t stay away! Soccer is very therapeutic for me. It is one of the only sports that for those that are more mentally strong are more successful than those that are physically strong. You need to be able to make good decisions at a fast pace and be able to think ahead. What I lack in speed is made up for in my vision of the pitch and ability to harness my strategic mind set to propel my team.

I can be of great value to a University, and am looking for that opportunity to continue my education at a higher level and to continue the pursuit of soccer at the Varsity level.