My final year of soccer at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Washington has been my greatest experience in America so far. I have friendships and memories l will cherish forever. Coming from Australia to America not knowing anyone, was a huge challenge, however, I will always be thankful for the NSR opportunity as it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made.
I accomplished much in 2013 including: winning my second college championship and second regional title. I was named to the All Academic team, named to the All-Star team and made history at my current college, as the first player ever to receive the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Scholar All-America honor, being recognized as one of the best players on the field and in the classroom in 2013.
The hard work I put in has paid off, as I have now received a scholarship to play soccer at the Division 1 level of the NCAA with Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey later this year. My accomplishments did not come easy though. In the off-season I trained with a few others at the field everyday for 2-3 hours in below freezing weather, as well as putting in many hours in the gym. My hard work opened not only many opportunities within the college level, but I was given the opportunity to attend the invitational trials of a professional team and created links with professional soccer teams in Asia.
Contributing to the success of my College team (back to back College Championships and ranked 7th in the nation) added to the excitement of playing College soccer in America. I had the pleasure of training and playing with some of the most talented players I have ever met. I have learned so much from my colleagues as well. We trained up to four times a week and played twice a week. It was a heavy schedule, but it was required to assure our success.
However, personal achievements aside, what has made my experience in America so incredible are the memories and friendships I have made on this journey. I now have friends from all over the world including Brazil, England, Canada, Mexico and all over the United States. The diversity has presented an extraordinary opportunity to learn so much about the cultures of my new friends. The College Soccer experience has also presented me opportunities to travel and see other states of America and Canada.
I am really grateful for the opportunity NSR has given me as it has shaped me into the player I am today and has allowed me the opportunity to pursue my soccer career to the next level. I’m loving the USA. It has given me a great first two years and now I’m excited about the next two ahead of me in New Jersey.
Lachlan Bond