Jaylene Ziegler '23 Recruiting Profile

Ever since I watched my first US Women's soccer game in the Olympics of 2016, I dreamed of playing soccer at a higher level. I then learned about playing soccer for high school and later for college.  At that age, I didn't quite understand the dedication that it takes to play at that level, although, over the years I have learned and adapted to working towards it.  Throughout my high school career I made goals for the end of every season, and for the past three years I have met each of these goals. They motivated me to keep moving forward and to make progress even if it was small technical parts of my skill.  During the season of my junior year, I made the most progress physically and mentally. It was the toughest season to work through but, with my team and my coaches I was able to push through any setback that occurred.  As a goalkeeper I make it an important part of my game to advocate for my team. I motivate them on and off the field, even if I am having a tough time with motivation for myself. Keeping positive reinforcement during games and practice is always an important aspect I strive for.  As for school, I managed my homework and studying well during the season and kept my grades where I wanted them. I was able to maintain my grades at A's and B's all semester with an accumulative GPA of 3.3. I worked very hard to achieve my academic goals as well and was able to do so. While achieving these goals I worked through a full high school schedule, a rigorous club schedule, and working at least 14-20 hours a week. Throughout my time in high school I have developed better time management skills, better organizational skills, and more motivation in multiple areas. At this stage of high school I have progressed in many ways and I hope to continue to do so in my college career.