Hey, my name is Steven Hawkey, and I live in Pennington, NJ. I'm a soccer player and have been playing soccer my whole life and enjoy the sport a lot. I am one of 3 siblings, I have an older brother and a younger sister. My dad is a girls soccer coach and he has made me a better player over the course of my lifetime. I currently play for NLSA (Next Level Soccer Academy) which is a soccer club located in Pennington, New Jersey. I'm a HUGE Pittsburgh fan and love the Steelers and the Penguins. I enjoy cooking and traveling and just hanging with my friends.
What are your dreams in life?
My dreams in life are to play college soccer. I have talked to some coaches already, but I'm hoping to speak to more, with bigger names. I also love to travel and would like to explore around the world. I have been to Spain and Costa Rica and they have encouraged me to take opportunities to travel. It made me realize how beautiful the world is.
What was your best game?
I don't remember my personal best game, but I have had some very solid games over the past couple of years on my team. I play center striker, as well as center mid field. I like to posses the ball and I'm not afraid to shoot from distance.
Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and education are both equally important to me. Although I enjoy soccer more than academics, I know they they go together. If I want to have the chance of playing good D1 ball, then I know I'm going to have to get good grades and perform in the classroom as well as on the soccer field.
What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I have to continue practicing hard every day. I know that my school soccer team, Pennington School has made me a lot better of a player, playing with Chandler Fraser-Pauls (Lafayette) Kyle Roach (Maryland) Oliver Murphy (Richmond) and Nate Broccoleri (undecided). They have helped me become a better player, and still teach me new stuff about the sport. I have one more year playing with these boys and I know that we will have a successful team. I am also doing individual work with Paul Johnson, a former USA national team player who is helping me take it to the next level. Chad Bridges has been my coach for a long time and is the key to my performances and always make sure I'm playing my best.
How do you make your team better?
I make my team better with my intensity, skill, and leadership. I hold the ball up well and play well with my back to the goal. I am not selfish and would give an assist for a goal any day. In the attacking third I'm not scared to shoot the ball and take half chances. I lead my team in goals, and continue to perform every game
What advice can you give other student-athletes?
My advice for other student-athletes is to never give up. You don't have to be the most skilled player, but if you work harder than everyone else, that's just as good. Don't back down from challenges, and even when times get tough, keep your head up.
Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thanks a lot SoSportz!!!!
