Cheydon Herkshan '20 Recruiting Profile

What really influenced me was making varsity team my freshman year. I had no experience in soccer before and it was my first year trying it. Originally, they already had a varsity keeper and I was considered the “second string” keeper and would possibly play half the game after the first keeper. It all changed when she could no longer play and I was forced to step up and fulfill the role. It was very scary but it made into the player I am today. My very first game I was scared out of my wits, especially when I had to face my first Penalty Kick. It was a game winning shot and I had never felt so much pressure. The girl kicked it to the right and I blocked it. The joy I felt in my heart made me fall in love with the game. I’ve learned that I can deal with the pressure put on me to block every shot I possibly can. I’ve learned that I need to stay on top of my game at all times and I must keep a level head. Also, I faced of my one my worst fears as a keeper, a PK shoot out. My team and I had a winning season for the first time in 13 years. Our hard work earned us a play-in game for a chance to make it to the Playoffs. During the game, we scored in the first half and held the other team scoreless up until the last 10 minutes. In a game changing play, they scored and tied the game. We played the overtime, and still both teams did not manage to score. So it was now time for the shoot out. In the practice before the game, we had just went over this. I remember telling my coach that this was my biggest fear and I hoped I wouldn’t have to face it in the game, but unfortunately it was meant to be. Before I stepped into the box, my coach told me “All you need to do, is block one”. That brought my confidence up, because I had blocked every single PK I faced in the season and it was just one shot. I did end up blocking one shot, but we still lost 4-3. That game taught me a lot and made me face my fears. I will always remember the feeling and seeing the heartbreak in my teammates eyes. I hope to never feel that again and I will do everything in my power to keep it from happening. Schoolwise, my goal is to graduate high school with highest honors and to then go to college to get a degree in the medical field. As a person, I am very witty, and I take pride in being Native American and expressing my culture.