Patrick Zachmeyer '11 Recruiting Profile

Now I'm not going to try to make myself sound to everyone reading this, that I'm the most intelligent kid there is, because truthfully, I'm not. Nor am I the most interesting person, but I guarantee there is no one else like me! How many kids do you know these days can say they enjoy taking on as many activities as they can? Well, I'm one of those people that can say I enjoy taking on numerous projects. My parents have always encouraged me to try various activities in order to find out where my true passions lie. Whether it was scouts, saxophone or sports, I have been able to try my hand at these activities and learn about myself and some valuable life lessons along the way. My time in high school has been fun, yet challenging. Over the past four years I have met friends and teachers that have made a lasting impression on me and have helped shape who I am today. I am a hardworking and diligent person. This shows through my course selection throughout the past 4 years. While my overall GPA has not been as high as I would like, I have consistently selected classes that would challenge me to the best of my ability. I have taken one or more sciences and math classes each year, along with a language. During the summer of my freshman year I took two required classes to get ahead and allow me to take extra classes that would help me prepare for college. I have taken a dual credit Spanish course with the local community college, as well as an advanced placement Biology. But this wasn't enough for me. Outside of the classroom I play year round travel soccer. In addition, I also played on my high school team all four years. I have been named captain at least once for both the school and travel teams. Having participated in organized sports from an early age, along with family role models, has influenced me to choose physical education as my future area of study. I have been fortunate to have had coaches, teachers and trainers who have made a difference in my life and taught me about collaboration, integrity, commitment and persistence. I have experienced firsthand the value of teamwork and also the difficult decisions that often go along with it. Being the second varsity goal keeper on my high school team I was faced with the prospect of supporting the team from the bench. My junior year I was approached by the coach and asked to play on the JV team to fill out the team roster. While I was disappointed not to be able to play varsity that year, I also knew that without a goal keeper, there would not have been a team. Following my lead, several other players volunteered to play down as well. I was awarded the Spartan Award that year. Following the season I knew I would again be faced with the same situation in my senior year. I decided that sitting the bench or quitting the team was not an option for me. I began working out and training off season to improve foot skills and speed so that I could try out for a field position. My efforts paid off when I won a starting position on defense. This has taught me that we often sacrifice our personal desires for the benefit of others, whether it is family, friends or team members and that the road to our goals is often not a straight path. While I was fortunate to be recognized for my efforts, sometimes just knowing it is the "right thing to do" is enough. While I have played soccer for as long as I can remember, I also played football for about 4 years. During this time I was on smaller side as far as football players go, but I continued to play and give it my all. I loved learning the game and would eagerly try a new position if the coaches felt it would make an impact. This enthusiasm and collaboration earned me the Frank Stevens award, which the highest award is given by the league. Freshman year I decided it was time to focus my energies on one sport and I chose soccer. I continued to grow and develop and as I grew taller, my GK skills improved immensely. I am also lucky to be able to train with Scott Vallow through his Train Like a Champion sessions. He has become a role model and mentor for me. I want to be a Physical Education teacher/coach, and in order to reach my goals I am looking for a school that has a reputation for academic excellence, and one that will prepare me well for my career, as well as in my life going forward. My preference is to find a school within a 200 mile distance from my home. It is my intention to acquire a great education, succeed and give back as an alumnus.