High school sports are a major component of student-athletes’ lives. Although most players don’t pursue their sport beyond graduation, some are talented and driven enough to continue their involvement. For soccer players, one way to do that is to play abroad.
Last year, 14 seniors graduated from the Franklin men’s varsity soccer team. Three-time captain Nevin Rueegger committed to playing NCAA Division II soccer at California State University San Bernardino, while two other seniors, Xavier Watson and Ivan Schmidt, are both taking a gap year in Europe in preparation for collegiate play back in the US. Although this process may seem tedious, it is relatively common among those hoping to be recruited by colleges.
Both Watson and Schmidt have been playing since preschool, through programs like the Mount Tabor Soccer Club (MTSC). “My parents introduced me to the sport, and my mom encouraged my early development by being my coach at MTSC,” Watson says. He credits her with being his biggest supporter and the reason he stuck with the sport all the way to high school.
“The Franklin men’s soccer program was great,” Watson says. “There was a lot of talent the past couple [of] years, and I was able to be a part of a very competitive team. I found the program to be very supportive and a good environment to improve.” He recounts his senior year with fondness, saying that most of his favorite memories were made that season. “Winning against Cleveland and going deep in [the] playoffs are the two best.”
Ivan Schmidt’s mom, Teasha Schmidt, agrees that Franklin soccer was great from a parent’s standpoint. Seeing how far the players had come from when they played together in elementary school was one of her favorite things about watching the games. Teasha Schmidt, just like Watson’s mom, played a huge role in her son’s dedication to soccer. “It has always been his passion, and we have done everything possible to support that,” she explains.
Watson, who is currently playing in Spain, was introduced to the idea of playing abroad by his club teammates and coaches. “I became interested in playing abroad as a way to continue playing while also getting to experience a different culture and develop in a different system from US Soccer.” Watson is enrolled in Eture, a rigorous organization that allows players “to experience growth both on and off the field, away from home, through the sport we love,” as described by their website. Eture has yielded more than 60 Division I soccer players since its inception in 2017.
An average day in Watson’s life is packed with intense training, multiple workouts per day, and long hours on the field. In addition, all players are required to take daily Spanish lessons. “I really hope to get close to fluent by the end of the season here, as I came in with already a relatively high Spanish level. The main obstacle is that for the majority of the day, I am at the residence with almost all the other players being American as well,” explains Watson. In his free time, he makes the most out of his location. “I like to take the bus into the city and travel as much as possible throughout Spain when I get the chance,” he says.
Ivan Schmidt is also playing in Spain through a program called Select Generation Academy, which he was recruited for by Next College Student Athlete (NCSA), a college sports recruiting program. According to Teasha Schmidt, “The main purpose of NCSA is to match players with colleges and universities throughout the country. It is a fantastic resource for any kids wanting to continue playing their sport at a collegiate level.”
The enrollment process for both Select Generation Academy and Eture is extensive for athletes, as well as for their parents. “Once Ivan committed, we had to go through the student visa process, which is very involved. Lots of documentation, background checks, and then a trip to San Francisco to the Spanish consulate,” Teasha Schmidt says. Despite the lengthy recruitment process, both athletes are finding their decision to pursue soccer worthwhile.
Ultimately, the end goal for these athletes is to play collegiately and beyond. “We know that being able to play professionally is a combination of skill, extremely hard work, and being at the right place at the right time,” Teasha Schmidt says. “Playing in Spain offers Ivan a level of play and exposure that is not only going to improve his soccer skills but also offer insight into another culture.”
Ivan Schmidt, Watson, and Reeugger all set an example for ambitious student-athletes and demonstrate the payoff of hard work and perseverance. Watson offers some advice to those currently in high school seeking collegiate play: “Train smart. High school sports can easily wear you out if you do not listen to your body.” He continues, “Playing for your school, with your friends every day should be fun.”
Whatever your interests may be, there are countless options beyond the norm to pursue post-graduation — who knows, maybe you’ll even end up in Europe. Teasha Schmidt concludes, “Just remember that truly following your passion will bring opportunities that you may not have even considered.”
