Soccer has been a major part of sophomore Will Becker’s life, as he has played since as early as his 5th birthday. He said his biggest struggles were balancing school, work and soccer.

Becker said his dad was his biggest inspiration.

“He pushes me to try my best,” Becker said.

He said his dad is the definition of hard work pays off.

“My dad went to college to be a teacher, and he found out that wasn’t for him, so he became a firefighter. Now, he owns his own business, and that’s really inspiring to me as it shows me to never quit or give up,” Becker said.

Becker said his dad didn’t just make him try harder, he made him a better person.

“My dad shows me how to not only to be a hard worker, but he also showed me things like how to be patient, how to keep calm and that life does not give you many freebies and that you need to work for everything,” Becker said.

On bad days, he said his dad always reminded him to keep his head up and that there would always be light at the end of the tunnel.

“When I found out that I didn’t make the soccer team this year, he was the first one I told,” Becker said. “He was the one that made me realize that just because I didn’t make it this year doesn’t mean that I’m not talented or that I can’t make it the next couple years.”

Becker’s dad told him that setbacks are part of bouncing back better and stronger, and he said his dad knew a thing or two about bouncing back. He said he was once told he was not good enough, but he is now a hall of famer at Northwest Missouri State University for being a three-time All American defensive end.

“Things that helped me bounce back was consistently practicing, watching and improving on my mistakes,” Becker said.

Becker strongly believes that mistakes and setbacks were a part of God’s plan, and everything happened for a reason.

“Balancing school, soccer and a job is very tiring,” Becker said. “As it’s already hard enough to balance school and a job, but practicing every day is something my dad pushes me to do even when I don’t want to. My dad always makes me question if I want it more or if he wants it for me more.”

Becker believes that his dad molded him into a better person.

“My dad is the most intense, hardworking, go-getter person I know, and that’s why I love him,” Becker said. “He has shaped me throughout my life and really pushes me to my full potential, as he not only pushes me to do my best, but he pushes me into who I really am.”