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SPORT: Soccer
POSITION: Center midfielder (team captain)
TEAM: Ramstein Royals
AGE: 18
YEARS PLAYING: 14
Jacob Mattison recently signed a letter of intent to start the inaugural season of the University of West Alabama men’s soccer team.
He has played at a competitive level in both Korea and Germany, including making the Surf Cup Team, a select team of 15 American youths living in Europe who competed against club teams in the U.S.
After his last game at the Department of Defense Dependents Schools championship soccer tournament playing with Ramstein, Mattison took time to discuss his love of the sport and his future plans.
What is your favorite part about soccer?
I’ve just been playing for so long that now it is a part of me.
What’s the biggest challenge about playing center mid?
Soccer can be explained as playing one or two dimensional. Center midfielder is two dimensional because you’re constantly under pressure from every angle – that’s the toughest part.
Who is your inspiration?
Ryan Giggs. He plays for Manchester United. I just like him because he is a solid midfielder and it’s inspiring that he has played at the highest level for 14 years.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
If you want it, give everything you have. It’s all about heart – you can coach skill, but you can’t coach heart.
What are your future plans for school? Any interest in the MLS?
I’m excited to keep playing soccer and excited for the (college sport) atmosphere. With soccer, I’ll take it one step at a time. When I go to college, my main focus is school.
(Interview by 2nd Lt. Kay M. Nissen)
