Soccer isn’t just a sport for senior Alex Keeler, but a lifestyle. For the past four years, Keeler has been a member of the boys varsity soccer team at Antioch Community High School. His offensive skill and leadership are two components that have helped him to be named as team captain this year.

Keeler started at age 11, later than one would expect. He joined the Chicago Kickers Soccer Club and immediately became obsessed with the sport.

“When I first started, I was pretty decent at the sport, but wasn’t quite as competitive as I am now,” Keeler said. “It’s definitely grown on me since I began to play more and become more competitive.”

Keeler’s favorite aspect of soccer is the intensity that comes along with tough competition in the sport.

“Soccer is just such a fast paced and nonstop sport that it never gets boring even after playing for so many years,” Keeler said. “The pace of the game keeps it interesting and makes it that much more competitive.”

When playing for the Sequoits, Keeler plays as a center midfielder, where he helps in both the offensive and defensive aspect of the game. His foot skills on the ball contribute to moving the ball up the field and creating an offensive attack. His defense also helps the defenders have a back up and also an outlet in the middle of the field, when they look to move the ball forward.

Senior Ian Gugel thinks of Keeler as a player that can always be counted on, no matter what happens in a game.

“He always just has an attitude that can never make you upset,” Gugel said. “We could be having the worst game ever and his positive attitude just makes any situation better and causes him to be such a great leader for the team.”

Teammate junior Adam Lynn thinks of Keeler as someone who is just as competitive as him, which helped create a bond between the two players.

“Keeler and I became close teammates when I came into the team as a freshman and we both understand each other when it comes to the game of soccer,” Lynn said. “We both want the same goals for the team and for ourselves when it comes to our future.”

Keeler, along with other members of the varsity team have certain goals and aspirations for the season. His main goal as captain is to lead the team to win a regional championship and for himself to ultimately sign to a college by the end of the season to play at the next level.

Keeler is currently undecided on where he would like to attend college in the fall of 2019, but is being scouted by multiple schools between which he hopes to make a choice by the end of the season.

No matter where Keeler attends, his dedication and passion for his sport are sure to carry over and take him far in life.