In any sport, the team’s captain is important, serving as a leader both on and off the field. Michael McCool, the captain of our high school soccer team, shows the spirit, determination, and passion that defines Haddonfield Memorial High School soccer. The Bulldawg Bulletin had the opportunity to ask Michael about his experiences in our newest column: Ask a Senior.
- What has been your favorite memory from playing high school soccer? My favorite high school memory was the night game win against Haddon Township. It was great as the whole student section was there and it was the start of a great run for your team. I scored a great goal and played very well.
- How do you feel your high school soccer experience has prepared you for playing at the college level? High school and club soccer are very different. High school is much more physical and focused on results while club is focused on player and team development. College soccer is a balanced mix of the two. High school has definitely helped with the culture side of it while club has helped more with the actual playing side.
- What challenges did you face balancing soccer with your schoolwork and how did you overcome them? Schoolwork and soccer have always been difficult for me. Obviously, I love soccer and would choose to practice/play over doing schoolwork any day of the week. But my parents are good at bugging me and making me do my schoolwork. I try to fit in and maximize my time after school so it works out.
- What advice would you give to younger players who aspire to play soccer in college? Some advice would be to start early and do a lot of I’d camps and tournaments. It can get very costly so choose wisely, but make sure you start earlier than you think you should. This summer I dedicated myself to going to camps and really trying to rack up offers from schools I liked. It can get a lot and the process is stressful and I didn’t enjoy it mostly. But continuing to play the game I love after high school makes it all worth it. Also, get in the weight room, especially for soccer lifting. Strength is often underestimated and at the college level, you are going to need it to succeed.
- What are you most looking forward to about playing soccer in college? I’m excited to play on a team where everyone cares as much about soccer and winning as I do. To play in college you have to love the game and I’m excited to play on a team of like-minded people who also love the game. It will obviously be tough as a freshman in the beginning but I am confident in my abilities for the upcoming season.
