Leading Saint Ignatius High School to a state championship victory was not enough. Defender Hunter Gordon was a part of another championship run with his club side the Ohio Premier Eagles, who reached the USYS National Championship finalist before being defeated. Hunter, often around talented players and teams such as himself, is now presented with another opportunity to play alongside other skilled athletes his age. Gordon has been selected to participate in the Shale Soccer Classic presented by Admiral Sports coming this July.
The young defender always has soccer on his mind. Hunter is constantly texting friends and teammates to go play, during and outside of soccer season. Hunter strives for perfection within the sport, that desire to become a better player starts from one place, great coaching. Hunter tells us where the wisdom for him to become better starts from.
“I’ve had some great coaches over the years and they all say the same thing, ‘how hard you practice is how hard you’ll play in a game’ and I take that to heart, and during practices I just give it everything I got.”
Hunter’s immediate goal is to play Division I soccer in college, but he hopes with improvement and much practice he could play professional at the top level. Hunter noted he bases his individual play off of Belgium star and Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany, Hunter says he idolizes his game because Kompany goes into every tackle to win the ball, and is smart when he has the ball too. Ultimately Kompany is a leader on the backline and Hunter Gordon hopes to see himself as a similar player.
Hunter has already begun his process of becoming a leader, that is first and foremost of importance to his team.
Hunter emphasizes what matter to winning, and his track record shows it has worked.
“I try to push the kids around me. The kids around me push me. Practice is just where everything begins, and where it all starts and if you take a second off of practice you’re going to take minutes off during the game.”
Taking seconds off of practice is equivalent to taking minutes off during the game, that is a motto Hunter and his teams live by. Practice is not only when it is required. Hunter and his friends always find time to play the game they are so passionate about. Their school’s turf field is always open, which means Hunter is always practicing.
A strong desire to play Major League Soccer (MLS) one day has left Hunter with an outstanding work ethic, and an impressively strong soccer resume for such a young age. The latest addition to a long list of achievements is his selection for the Shale Soccer Classic. Hunter is extremely honored to be able to participate in such a recognizable match this July. Most importantly, Hunter has an opportunity to lead another defense to victory, but this time it will be against some of the best young athletes around the country.
