Palisade Junior, Eithyn Jansen, is the Male Athlete of the Week brought to you by Palisade Dino Mart. Jansen plays soccer in the fall and does track and field in the spring where he long jumps and sprints. In soccer, Jansen is the varsity goalkeeper. “I have been playing soccer for around fourteen years now,” said Jansen. “The reason I got into soccer was because of my dad. He signed me up when I was three and here I am now.” With many years of experience and playing, Jansen plays a huge role on the team, especially as goalkeeper. “I like to think I bring composure to the team,” said Jansen. “I also believe that my agility and quick reaction time helps us stay in the fight to give every game we go into a winning chance.”
Other than developing skill, Jansen has also prospered friendships within the sport. “I’d have to say the best part of soccer is the camaraderie of it,” said Jansen. This is an invaluable aspect of sports and has a special place in Jansen’s heart. Next to the bonds of friendship, Jansen says that the best part of soccer is, “playing under the lights at CMU. There’s something about it that makes it such a surreal feeling.” The skill that Jansen has worked hard on to improve has led him to succeed in the sport he loves. “My greatest accomplishment in soccer was getting in the top fifteen in the state last year for a week or two.” This is quite a big achievement for anyone who plays soccer in high school.
The dedication and commitment that Jansen delegates to soccer certainly pays off. His contribution to the team and the bonds he makes drives motivation. Congratulations Eithyn Jansen for receiving Athlete of the Week!