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It is expected after four years of playing a sport at the collegiate level that the student-athletes will improve their technical skills, become more knowledgeable about the game and overall become a more mature and seasoned player. How do the skills athletes learn from playing their sport translate into life after college athletics?

Men’s and women’s soccer seasons are winding down as the seniors celebrated their last home game October 24. As the seniors are giving their all for the end of their college soccer careers, they must also be thinking to their near future of life post-soccer.

Jordan Burns, senior forward, transferred to Grand View as a sophomore and has experienced two very successful years with the soccer program.

The men’s soccer team was conference champions the last two years in a row and in 2014 achieved Grand View’s best overall record. According to the players, this year’s season has involved many ups and downs and has molded the players to be mentally and physically stronger.

“I think my role this year as a captain is keeping the boys good, helping the boys make the right decision and having them make the team most successful,” Burns said.

Burns said he has developed into a leader on and off the field as the season has progressed. The lessons he has learned about leadership on the field will benefit him as he plans to coach three teams at the end of the season.

Paige Flores, senior midfielder, shares the same feelings of growing as a leader on the field. She said she has learned how to get along with referees, coaches, teammates and opponents.

“You have to lead by example before you can verbally lead,” Flores said. “And you have to give your all so you have no regrets at the end.”

Soccer has taught Jack Postlethwaite, senior midfielder, a similar lesson about his teammates and opponents. Postlethwaite said he has learned although you might not agree with everything someone does or says, at the end of the day the job needs get done to be successful.

“The lessons I’ve learned on the field, which I feel will help me with my future, are being there for one another through thick and thin and don’t be scared to leave your comfort zone,” Postlethwaite said.

The biggest lesson all three players have taken away from playing soccer is working well with others and learning when to step up. They agree the acceptance of others in order to be a leader comes with the love of the game.

“Everything you do, go all out and give 110%,” Pothlethwaite said. “When the going gets tough in a game, don’t give up. Do the opposite and dig deep and you’ll get the just rewards…you can relate this to anything in life.”

The players’ love and dedication for soccer shows through in their passion and attitudes about life.

“You can’t give half your heart to something and expect a huge outcome,” Flores said. “Work for what you want and more then likely you’ll be successful.”