How old were you when you first started playing, who taught you to play and who most influenced your development as a young player?
I was eight years old when I first started playing. My influences were Scott Fonfara, John Hannan and Matko. And my dad always told me like it was and he definitely wasn't a 'cupcake parent.' If I played bad, he let me know and if I played good, he let me remember what I did wrong.

What's been the single best moment of your soccer career thus far, at any level of competition?
For a team, it was my three national championships. It was the best feeling as a team and that can never be taken away. Individually it was the 2009 Academy finals where I played the best tournament that I ever have. In the final game I stopped a PK in regulation on a point-blank shot. We went to PK's and I stopped two more and we won and I got named as man of the match.

What are your long-term goals in the sport?
I want to play/start for three years in college, win conference every year and make it to the NCAA tournament every year. Then I want to make the combine and hopefully get drafted. And then play in the MLS, hopefully for the Fire at some point.

What has been the most valuable aspect of being trained by the Academy coaches?
Getting to know their knowledge of the game and that makes you see the game in different ways. It has definitely made me a better player and a more mature player. I know what's expected of me at the next level.

What has training with the Academy taught you about yourself as a player and where do you need improvement?
It has taught me that I must always try extremely hard. I try to get better and know that I need to work with my feet a lot. I hate to lose at anything, whether it's in training or a game. My mind of the game helps me and I am trying to pick the minds of all the coaches and other players.

What is the most difficult part of training with the Academy?
For me it's the expectations that goalies need to be just as good with their feet as their hands. When I was younger, I never got to work with my feet in training so now I feel very behind in that aspect.

Does the training differ from past training you've had, and in what way?
I now actually have a goalie coach, so in that way, it is a huge difference. I have pretty much taught myself and rely on reactions until this year.

Which of your Academy teammates impresses you the most and why?
Billy always comes ready to train hard. He also has fun playing but knows the times to get serious and to get to business. He's the best defender I have ever played with and I will miss having him in front of me next year.

Which of the other U-16 or U-18 Academy players impresses you and why?
David and Elliot both have great training habits and you can tell that they work on their own. they have great minds of the game and they know what is going on and can help others. They're two good leaders for the U-16 group and they both hate to lose, which I love.