James "Bracken" Burns '21 Recruiting Profile

I started playing soccer when I was three years old. We lived in Columbus, Ohio at the time, and I was on a team with my sister, who is two years older. I guess my parents just signed me up because my sister was going to be there already. I was the smallest kid out there. When my family moved to Jacksonville, Florida, I was five years old. I soon joined another recreational team with my sister and other kids her age. I eventually joined a team with kids in my grade from my school. As a U9 I went out for the local travel club team, at the time is was called First Coast Soccer Academy. I didn’t get picked for a travel team but was placed on the “developmental team.” I was still one of the smallest kids out there, but I didn’t mind. I liked playing soccer. Before long I was “called up” to the Select team. I began to become more serious about soccer at this time. I had good coaches and training opportunities, and before long I was again promoted to the Premier team at what is now the Jacksonville Armada Academy (at the time is was called Jacksonville FC). During my time on that team, I met some of my best friends and learned a lot about the game and about life. When I was a U14, my family moved to Johnson City, Tennessee. I joined FC Dallas TRI on their Premier team, now known as Tri-Cities United, where I currently play. I had the opportunity to play for my high school, University High, as an eighth grader. My coach was very inspirational and really helped my confidence as a player (starting every varsity game as an 8th grader didn’t hurt either). Additionally, at Tri-Cities United I have had great coaches, who have taught me to be a good teammate and leader. These coaches also have taught me how to be a better person and how to live a better life.

If I could model myself after a professional soccer player, it would be N’Golo Kante. I like the way he plays the game, and I admire the way he lives his life. He is never in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. He seems to be an excellent teammate. What’s most surprising is how humble he is. I read that he still drives a Mini-Cooper. Perhaps that is because he came up through soccer. He wasn’t always a star, and he had to work to get his promotions. His teammates always say what a great guy and teammate he is. That’s what I hope my teammates say about me. He is not the biggest guy, but he is a strong defensive player. I was always among the smallest players until I grew in the last two years, so I can relate to him and respect how he plays the game. He can disrupt an opponent’s attack with a sublime tackle, but also launch an attack for his side once he wins the ball.

Soccer in many ways can teach you about life. It’s about teamwork, and it’s about earning respect and giving respect. It can also be an opportunity to learn about leadership. I have been fortunate to be team captain on several teams, including my current club team. I want to continue to play soccer to help me grow not just as a player but as an individual too.