Junior Grayson Hertenstein, also known as number thirteen on the Freedom High School boys varsity soccer team, has played a major role in the Patriots’ game plan ever since his debut as a freshman. Both his size and tenacity have helped him become a close to unstoppable force on the field as a center back. With years of training and experience he is a force to be reckoned with.

“I started playing soccer around fourth grade, I think it was because it was fun and all of my friends played it, and we basically all decided to stick with it and were invited to join a club team. I still play on that club team with two of the original kids left,” said Hertenstein.

Like most athletes, Hertenstein looked at his options and tried out a few other sports here and there but decided that soccer was the sport for him.

“I like the fact that it’s so competitive and that it requires you to be really athletic and in shape to a different degree than some other sports. You’re constantly moving across the field and don’t have very much time to rest making it one of the most physically challenging sports,” said Hertenstein.

The Freedom Patriots aren’t the only team Grayson represents. During the off-season, he plays on a competitive club team.

“I currently play for the U17 Lutz Rangers Club Team along with Freedom. I recently also tried out for the Florida Olympic Developmental Program Team. I made the first tryout and am waiting for the second one in December. If I make the team I’ll basically be traveling the country playing other state O.D.P. teams. I heard about it about five months ago and know it’s a really hard team to get on, so I figured why not? So far it’s going well and I’m confident it won’t stop there,” said Hertenstein.

With many positions to choose from many people are left wondering how and why athletes choose where they’ll play for most of their career.

“I play center back on both of my teams. I tried out other positions like striker but didn’t feel as comfortable as I do when I play center back. I like playing it because it allows you to be a little more physical and active, and it lets you have more control of the game,” said Hertenstein.

“Grayson plays an integral part with our team. He sets the tone physically, and displays all the emotion you’d want a leader to have,” said Coach Haueter.

As seniors leave and team mates get injured, each season is a new unpredictable roller-coaster.

“It’s going to be a rough season since our main goalie Kyle Harvey is out for almost the whole season since he had surgery, but I think that Frankie Samsock is an adequate backup,” said Hertenstein.

While very busy due to his commitment to three different potential soccer teams, time for school work and his own personal activities can be very limited.

“I guess you could say I don’t have the best grades right now since time management can be hard with the commitment I have to my different teams along with school work on top of that. Right now I’m in all honors and two AP classes. It might not be my best decision-making but soccer pretty much always comes before school for me. And with what free time I do have I go to Lightning games, play FIFA, and hang out with my friends,” said Hertenstein.

Dreams of becoming professional are shared amongst a majority of athletes and Hertenstein doesn’t shy away at the thought. While the dream is a nice thought, the reality of it is the odds aren’t always in athletes’ favor so having a backup plan is crucial.

“I hope to get a scholarship to play somewhere. If I got the chance to go pro I would do it without a doubt, but either way I want to major in something involved in the sports medical field so I’ll always have a backup plan just in case,” said Hertenstein.

The life of a student athlete can be difficult, but through commitment and determination the rewards can be well worth it.