Senior Jarrett Kersten brightly smiled as he enjoyed bakery treats with his friends and teammates, celebrating his future, Feb. 4.
A few minutes earlier he had signed his letter of intent to play soccer for Western Michigan University.
“I am really excited. It was the best fit for me,” he said. “One of the coaches at another university I was looking at said ‘go where you feel the love.'”
He felt the love from the Broncos and also had the best offer as well as playing time and experience.
“The coach (Stu Riddle) is fantastic,” Kersten added. “They are really building a solid program. I have been watching their progress for the last year.”
The four-year starter for the Wolves will add his experience, strength and confidence to the team.
Even though he will be one of the newest members on next year’s team Kersten also is going to bring his leadership and build from there as each season comes.
“It is a good decision for him,” said mom, Sheryl. “He knows what he wants. Western is going to be a good atmosphere for him. The coach seems good. It seems weird to have a senior and be talking about senior year stuff and college.”
Lenny, his dad, also couldn’t believe the time for college is right around the corner but was excited Jarrett was staying in Michigan and the family could watch his home games.
Both vividly remember the first time soccer entered their oldest son’s life.
Seven-year-old Jarrett was playing basketball in the driveway when a neighbor said ‘come play soccer with us.?
“Jarrett did not want anything to do with soccer but our neighbor kept saying come play soccer,” said Sheryl.
“He played basketball, that was his big sport,” added Lenny. “Soccer was no where near the picture.”
Jarrett said yes at another try from the neighbor, had fun and stuck with it. He played for Waterford Warriors and moved on to Vardar. He was Vardar’s U18 national championship team in 2010.
He stayed with soccer, explaining it was easier to pick up and he enjoyed playing soccer more.
“I like playing other sports and this is what I feel like I want to do,” said Jarrett.
His current GPA is 3.65 and his major is currently undecided.
“I am going to look around and see what I like,” Jarrett added.
He earned All-State honors three-times and All-State First Team in Division 1. He scored eight goals and had 10 assists.
Jarrett helped the team his freshman year finish as state runner-up in Division 1.