Training and prepping with club and high school teams is not enough, it is never enough to elevate your game to the next level. Bryce Benjamin, an incoming freshman goalkeeper at the University of Findlay, knows this all too well and has used all types of training to elevate his game and put himself in the position he is today.
“I trained and prepped a lot for club practice, but on the side I trained and practiced alone, and for myself. I would go to my local park and work on kicks, punts, agility drills, anything I could work on for myself.”
In his last season at Seneca Valley High School, the Pennsylvania native enjoyed the biggest highlights of his career, becoming the leader on a young team of guys who looked up to him while playing in front of family and friends. Findlay’s new keeper Bryce Benjamin has hopes of starting varsity within two years, but Bryce ultimately aims at a professional career. Bryce said playing professional soccer has been his dream since he was a kid.
He looks up to American keeper Tim Howard because of his ability to command a team and his incredible training methods, but another idol Bryce cannot help but look up to is Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois. Bryce noted that Courtois being so young and already successful at such a high level is extremely inspiring to him.
Benjamin has a big task at hand with the collegiate level of competition looming and top goal scorers potentially in his way, but before Bryce gears up for Findlay, he will face some of the best talent across the country as he has been selected to participate in the Shale Soccer Classic Presented by Admiral Sports. Bryce spoke on what it meant to him to participate in the big July showcase.
“It’s hard to put into words, I think it’s a huge honor, and a big surprise, I didn’t think I’d be selected for this showcase. I feel like everything I’ve worked for, training by myself, punting practice, all the drills, working every day of the week have led to this moment. I’m going use this to see how the game works, to see how a high level is played at, and it’s going to be a good preview for college play. It’ll be awesome.”
Bryce is eager to move forward and see where his playing career leads him, but as Bryce further preps himself for the future in the sports he has always adored, Bryce reflects on past moments of joy and what really put him in the position he currently sits at today.
“It was great, giving advice to players on how to get better, but at the same time improving myself. It was an awesome position to be in.”
Bryce Benjamin is in a steady position to make his dreams a reality, hard work and preparation has gotten the young and successful keeper in a strong position to further succeed. The Shale Soccer Classic is his next destination, giving him an opportunity to showcase his talent for all to see, against other athletes looking to make an impact.
