Kaili Osselaer '20 Recruiting Profile

Hello! I am Kaili Osselaer, 16 years old and a junior at Mission Vista High School. I currently have a 4.25 and graduate in the year 2020. My plan is to major in Engineering and minor in Physics. I enjoy riding motorcycles, singing, school, reading, creative writing, and of course, playing soccer. I have played competitive soccer for eight years and counting. Soccer has become an intricate part of my life as well as my family’s. A sport that is popular around the world means so much more to me. It’s hard to imagine a time I didn’t have soccer in my life. I thank God every day for the journey and path I have taken. However, it was never an easy one.

Soccer challenged me to overcome many physical and mental obstacles. The first time I dealt with an injury, I did not react well. I was discouraged and unconfident. I struggled to realize I was in control of how I felt and that I can manage the situation. Once I recovered, I had to get back my confidence and skill. As I pushed myself, I noticed how my hard work was paying off and the results were incredible. During my sophomore year in high school, I faced another challenge. I was captain of the JV team and played every minute of every game. It increased my skill and aggressiveness dramatically. I was in the best physical shape of my life. Unfortunately, with two weeks left in the season, I was kicked in the knee. The doctor said it was another meniscus tear and a bone contusion. I was terrified of what would happen, considering it took me a while to recover from the last injury. I watched as everything stripped away from me. The varsity coach had planned on pulling me up to play with them in the CIF tournament, but I could not finish the high school season. Then, the school had to take me out of PE because my injury lasted too long. This impacted me significantly because once I got off the crutches and out of the brace, I needed physical activity. The timing was horrible as well, because less than a month after being cleared to start practicing, I had club tryouts. Although, this injury was different than the last. As I sat out, watching my teammates play, it made me think about how much I love soccer, and want to continue playing. The little girl who has dreamed of playing college soccer since the second grade came back into the light. I worked 100x harder to get back physically and mentally. This year, I got my opportunity to play on Varsity and I plan on pushing myself every day. 

I have continued to grow since then. Now, I love being an advocate for other girls who struggle with the mental obstacles that come with playing soccer. I love being in leadership roles, such as captain (which I have been for high school one year, and my club team for three years), an NHS officer (secretary), I was the secretary of the Journalism club, and one of the journalists for our first school newspaper. I am passionate about encouraging others to be the best versions of themselves, whether it be on or off the field.

I am so excited to see where soccer will take me, considering all it has already done. From overcoming injuries to playing in international tournaments on boys teams, I have faced so many unique experiences that I will surely take with me wherever I go, including college. Please follow my account and watch me continue to grow as a player; it would mean a lot to have your support as I accomplish my goals. Thank you!