Maddie Teagle

What are you doing currently?

I am a registered nurse working in the neonatal intensive care unit.

 

How did Strikers shape you as a person?

Growing up playing for Strikers had a huge impact on the person that I am today. Playing for the club over the years taught me many important skills and life lessons. The coaches and my fellow teammates taught me how to have a strong work ethic, loyalty, communication skills, accountability, resilience, leadership skills, a positive attitude and so much more. I carried all of this with me throughout my time in college and still to this day as I have started my professional career and adult life. I couldn't be more grateful to have soccer in my life and to have played for this club.

 

How is high school/club soccer different from college soccer?

With any sport at any level there is always an expectation and desire to win which means there is always some pressure. Although, I'd say the biggest difference between high school/club soccer to college soccer would be the competitiveness and skill level of other players as well as the pressure to succeed individually. In Montana we don't get the chance that often to play against high caliber players so making the jump to a successful college team can be difficult. The players that you will be playing with are likely more advanced than what you have experienced before. In college you have to work really hard in order to earn your spot and get the playing time that you want. On the bright side this is a good challenge for everyone to become the best players that they can be.

 

What were the key factors you considered when evaluating potential colleges?

When evaluating potential colleges it was important for me to like the coach and their coaching style, like the place where the school was at, and they needed to have the degree that I wanted to study and allow me to study nursing. I think that it's very important for players to go to an ID camp or at least visit the schools that they are interested in. It is even really helpful to just ask if you can go and do a practice with the team if they will allow it.

 

What was the most challenging part of the recruiting process?

I'd say the hardest part of the recruiting process is making a final decision of where you want to go to school. Often you don't have long to make a decision and you may have not seen a different school by the time you have to decide on another. At least for me I've always been bad at making big decisions because I always have pros and cons for everything.

 

What advice would you give to younger athletes going through the recruiting process?

My best advice would be to start early and go on as many visits as you can. I also suggest making a pros and cons list for all your potential schools and go with your gut when making a final decision.

 

What do high school athletes not understand about college sports?

I think one thing that high school students don't understand about college sports is that you're going to have to work a lot harder to earn your playing time then you did in high school/club. Even if you are one of the best players on your team, once you get to college everyone is likely one of the best from their old teams.

 

What was/is the best part of playing college sports? What was/is the hardest part?

The best part about playing college sports is the community that you have immediately going into school. You already have a group of good friends that you get close with very quickly. It is also nice to make friends with the other sports teams and be a part of that community. The little moments of just having fun with your teammates while also playing great soccer are what make it all worth it.

 

I'd say the hardest part about playing college sports is all the extra things you have to do compared to regular college students. It's a lot to juggle class, practice, meetings, games, travel, etc. In a way though, we are lucky for all the experiences we get and places we get to go and continue to play soccer.

 

Is there anything else you would like to share with high school athletes?

While playing college soccer you will be pushed to your limits and be expected to work harder than you probably ever have before between school, soccer, and possibly work. Even though it will be challenging, college and college soccer will likely be some of the most amazing and memorable years of your life. The relationships that you build between your teammates and coaches are worth the work. My advice would be to work hard, have fun, and make the most out of all the opportunities you are given.