Our Athlete of the Week is Luke Vonhof, a Freshman and JV soccer player for the Grandview Wolves.

What position do you play in soccer?   

I play left-wing or right-wing. 

How did you start playing soccer? 

I started playing when I was three years old and it was a sport that I’ve always liked. So I just kind of started playing it. 

How has soccer influenced you- your own personal life off the field?

I’ve made a whole bunch of friends through soccer and through the love of it I’ve connected with a lot of people. 

What’s your relationship with your team members and your coach? 

I have a pretty good relationship with my team members and my coach. A bunch of them are older than me. So, at first, it was nerve-wracking but they’ve been really nice. My coach is also amazing.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have to face while playing soccer? 

Probably just mental challenges. Always being either too nervous or what if I mess up and what would happen if I do mess up? 

What’s your favorite memory from playing soccer? 

During one of my club team’s tournament games where I scored the game-winning goal. That was definitely one of my favorites.  

How do you mentally prepare for each game?

Usually, I listen to music, but if I can’t, it’s just good, positive self-talk.

What motivates you to keep going throughout the season?

I want to play in college so that’s a really big motivation, but also just being able to play for myself as well.

Where do you see yourself as a soccer player in your career after high school? 

I probably want to go to college for soccer. Then we will really just see after that.

What do you think you improve on as a player and as a team?

Definitely my confidence on the ball. I can improve on that. Confidence on the ball is essential while playing soccer. As a team, I feel like we have really good skills individually and if we can just play as a team, then we’d be an amazing team- even though we already are. 

Do you have any advice for an aspiring soccer player? 

If you have the love of the game you can go far and always work hard and foster your talents.