Drew Tappen is ready for his senior season playing soccer at Brighton High School, and he can’t wait for it to get started. “I’m extremely excited about this year, especially since I was appointed a captain. Also, I feel like this team can go very far in the state tournament,” Tappen said.
Tappen was selected as a captain this year and said it was one of the biggest honors he has ever received playing sports. “It was one of the best moments of my life. I have always loved playing high school, and I have always put all my time and energy into it. Being chosen captain felt like all the hard work and hardships I have had throughout my soccer journey paid off,” Tappen commented.
Tappen also says that his game has improved during the offseason and is ready for the challenges that the very tough KLAA West brings. “I would say my game has improved a lot during the offseason. I feel like I have become calmer on the ball, and my fitness has increased immensely. I also feel like I have become faster since last year,” Tappen added.
Soccer means a lot to Tappen. It’s the sport that he loves and does all he can to help Brighton get the win. “To me, soccer brings happiness and joy. Whenever I step on to a soccer field, it is one of the best feelings ever. Everyone around you has the same purpose. To win with each other and get better as a team is our goal. It’s not just a game but a way that people can connect and make great friendships. I almost hate leaving to go home after games and practices just because I love being with everyone so much,” Tappen mentioned.
Tappen admits he always used to get super nervous before games, but it was a conversation with his dad that changed everything about the sport he loves. “I always used to get super nervous about soccer games. But one day, my dad once told me just to go out and have fun. Don’t worry about your coach and don’t worry about the scouts. Just go out and have fun. I tell myself this every day before a game to mentally prepare,” Tappen commented.
Tappen is a senior this year at Brighton and says that he can’t believe that it’s his senior year of High School and his final season playing high school soccer. “Honestly, I can’t believe that I’m a senior. One day, I felt like wow it’s going to be a long time until I’m a senior and here we are my last year playing high school soccer. It went by so fast,” Tappen said.
Tappen will miss a lot when the high school soccer season is over and wants to enjoy his final season. “I’m going to miss being able to play on Sloan Field and be able to play with all my best friends. I’m going to miss the amazing bus rides and miss all the amazing memories I’ve had throughout high school,” Tappen mentioned.