His fingers have tied soccer cleats for the past fifteen years of his life. 

  His breath has carried him through countless ninety-minute games. 

  His passion for the sport remains a constant presence.

  For junior Caleb Bruce, soccer is not just a sport; after dedicating so much of his time to soccer, Bruce recalls that it is “something that has grown with me… it is almost needed.”’ As Bruce progressed further in his career, he began playing for Real Soccer Academy at an elite level and has now spent the past four years with this club team. Bruce expresses that playing at this level is competitive and difficult; however, he continued to seek out diverse playing opportunities. 

  Having a signed contract with his club team stating that he cannot play for another team or needs to be permitted to play for another team, as long as he is with Real Academy. Bruce was granted permission to play for the varsity boys’ team here.

  Curious as to why Bruce would play at a less competitive level and have to balance two soccer teams, he said, “ I’ve always bonded with the players, but I’ve never had a chance to play with them, and I want to be able to prove other teams and schools wrong about our school.” Bruce explains that the diversity in team experiences stems from his ability to now represent his school and earn awards at a different level of play. 

  Bruce’s family is a large motivator in his strive to be a successful player. He acknowledges his grandmother, aunts, uncles, and especially his father as motivators throughout his soccer career. Bruce says his father’s doubts drive him to improve every day, “he [Bruce’s dad] thinks I can do better, and all these things, so I guess, just impress him.”

  Bruce plans to carry out his soccer dreams beyond high school and seek out a professional career, as the sport has carried a large portion of his life.