Whether it’s kicking a ball through the upright on a Friday night, or curling the ball into the top right of the net, senior Jeremiah Kieffer competes with pride. Playing varsity football as starting kicker, and varsity boys soccer as starting centerback, Kieffer values health as his No. 1 priority after all the stress induced on his leg.
“I really prioritize recovery as my main thing,” Kieffer said. “Keeping my leg strong in the weight room helps a lot, and especially eating the right foods in order to keep my legs strong and healthy.”
When Kieffer’s at full physical and mental health, he sees he plays at a higher level than his peers.
“It might take a couple weeks for me to recover to my best,” Kieffer said. “But when it’s all over, I’ll be able to compete at the highest of my levels for many months after.”
Varsity Boys Soccer Head Coach Sidney Danner acknowledges Kieffers’ characteristics as a valuable asset to him and the team moving forward.
“When he’s on the ball, he’s very confident,” Coach Danner said. “He’s composed, and he makes really good choices with the ball whether it’s his passing, or taking his man on to free up space.”
According to I9sports.com, 70% of athletes under 13 will quit a sport because it’s not “fun.” But in Kieffer’s case, Coach Danner sees his potential to be better than those who haven’t made it as far.
“I think he has a true passion for soccer,” Coach Danner said. “No matter where he plays, he realizes he has an opportunity to play, and he will do whatever it takes in that moment to help the team be successful.”
Kieffer believes his mentality will be a key factor in keeping him moving forward in the way that he is now. With a strong mind Kieffer hopes that leads to good results on and off the field.
“I don’t stop when I’m just tired, that’s a weak mindset,” Kieffer said. “I stop when the job is done, that is when I can finally rest.”
