Senior Colton Smith signed a letter of intent on April 1 to play soccer at Thiel College in Pennsylvania. He plans on majoring in medical technology with the career goal of becoming a physical therapist. Colton recently completed an interview about his athletic career at Lyndonville and his future plans.
What factors played the biggest role in your decision to commit to your college program?
Easily, the atmosphere they have on the team at Thiel. Every time I talked with Coach Zack Walters, he was very welcoming and personal during our conversations. He helped me make my final decision to commit to Thiel.
Recount your recruiting journey and how it shaped you as both a player and a person.
At the beginning of my recruiting journey, I started by reaching out to schools during my junior year, right after the soccer season ended. A couple of schools responded to me and said they wanted to watch me play. After my senior season this year, I created a highlight tape that multiple coaches responded to, and they asked me to visit their campuses in person. Throughout this entire process, I learned how important hard work and dedication are in the real world, and how it’s always important to put your best foot forward.
What do you feel you bring to the college program — on and off the field?
As an athlete, I am an excellent facilitator on the field. Playing midfield is not an easy job, and I can say that I’ve successfully reached the next level as a player by moving to the collegiate scale of play. As a person, I am an excellent leader and a strong role model for younger players.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in getting to this point, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the loss of my former coach Wes Bradley. Coach Bradley was the reason our program at Lyndonville started to regroup and win games once again. After his death last year, it took a big toll on the team. While this was difficult for many players, I felt as though it pushed me to be a better person and play at a higher level. This made me really think about his teachings, and how he asked us as people to present ourselves in a better manner.
How has your high school or club experience prepared you for the next level of competition?
Both my high school and club soccer experiences were similar. Winning multiple games in a season against high level teams shows that even if the competition level is high in college, I will still be able to compete and play with my team successfully.
What are your goals for your college freshman year, both academically and athletically?
For my freshman year, I would like to maintain a B+ or higher average academically. I must earn good grades in my classes so I can stay on track to get my doctorate in physical therapy in the future. Athletically, I would like to be a valuable member of the team, contributing both on and off the field. I want my teammates to be able to count on me as a teammate and as a friend.
Who has had the biggest influence on your journey, and how have they impacted you?
Personally, my parents have had the biggest impact on my soccer career. Both my mom and dad have pushed me to excel on the soccer field during games and practices, and at home, practicing by myself. I wouldn’t have competed in so many tournaments and gone to tryouts for so many different teams without their support. I wouldn’t be the person or the player that I am today without them.
What advice would you give younger athletes who want to play college soccer?
One tip I’d give to any young soccer player trying to play at the collegiate level would be to start as early as possible. Whether it’s going to ID camps, or emailing or calling college coaches, everything is important. To play soccer at college, you must get your name out there, so coaches know the kind of person and player that you are.