the story of alec carroll

The Story of Alec Carroll

Although this is a soccer based story, it pertains 100% to all other areas in life. It is a story of persistence, stubbornness and success. I hope you all enjoy:
 
​Growing up playing college soccer was all I could have wished for. My dream began when I first touched the ball and first stepped onto the pitch known as the beautiful game.  But getting to the point I dreamed of was not a easy road. I began my years playing travel soccer under multiple clubs such as Red Arrow, Kingdom, and DBSS Sting. While I played premier soccer most of my life from the age of about 13, when I reached my high school years things took quite the change. I was greeted by a coach who didn’t see my potential and never gave me the chance I believe I deserved. I played Junior Varsity soccer up until my Junior year and never saw much playing time my senior year when I finally was pulled up to varsity. With my hopes and dreams shot after a horrible high school soccer experience there was one coach who came back, one coach who after everything still believed in my ability and was willing to give me the chance I dreamed of. Dan Bulley. Dan Bulley recruited me to Jackson College Jets and made my dream come true of playing college soccer.  But from here the work only got harder and more demanding. Knowing college soccer was no joke, everyone was expected to be at their best every day no matter what, from the 5am conditionings, to the 4pm technical sessions, we were all expected to be on our A game. As my first season flew by I found myself in a starting position for almost every game throughout the season and we made it to the regional semi finals. After a tough loss I knew my second year was gonna be even more important and coach Dan made sure we wouldn’t go out like that again. Coming into my Sophomore year, I was named Captain of Jackson College Jets! Going from someone who was never believed in or trusted to the captain of a college soccer team was the best feeling ever. It just proved that you should never give up on your dreams because chances are someone else out there hasn’t either. Coming into my second year we pushed harder than ever, and Coach Dan wanted it more than ever aswell! We grinded harder and harder and pushed for greatness as a team. As the end of the season came to an end we had succeeded in becoming conference champions and once again made it to the regional semifinals. We had won against Schoolcraft both times that year being the first ever Jackson college team ever to do so. You could say my last year at Jackson college was a blast. But as we all know all good things must come to an end. As the season was over I had to say goodbye to my friends and teammates as I moved on to bigger things. But this experience was all thanks to Dan Bulley the best coach anyone could ever ask for! A coach who no matter what is there and believing in you, pushing you to your limits, and finding the best in everyone. Thanks coach! 
-Alec Carroll

This is an incredible story, not just for any young athlete out there, but for the parent group too! Alec's parents did not only become friends of mine but supported Alec through thick and thin. I remember Alec being on my U12 B team, seeing the potential in him as a player and enjoying the pre and post game conversations with Ryan and Sherri. Both were patient with the process. Alec remained dedicated and quietly went about his business as a young soccer player. His character was enormous, even when he was out of favor with the high school coach. Alec barely saw minutes on his high school team, even though he had eventually made his travel club A team. He stayed the distance and was determined to prove his worth after many years of dedicating. Alec had good pedigree and after a tough pre season filled with fitness and an introduction to college soccer, he found himself in contention for a place in the starting line up. Even as a freshman, he, like many others made mistakes and found himself on the end of many stern conversations with myself. The lad was relentless. He kept coming back for more, learning and growing all the time. His freshman year laid the foundation for his history making, title winning sophomore year. Not only was he Mr. Consistent but had a great head on his shoulders. As captain, he was trusted to welcome the international lads, drive them around, provide a comfort zone for them and also pass along messages to the entire team. Alec was trusted. I held him to such high standards that he would sometimes chirp back at me if I was too loud towards him. Alec was one of the few I would allow that to happen with. I'd typically drag someone off the field for answering back at me but we had that mutual respect for one another. Not long has passed since Alec finished his second year. He has transferred to a 4-year school now. There is no doubt in my mind that he will go on to see much more success that anyone else competing with him. He knows how to fight, he knows how to overcome and he knows how to endure and WIN! Alec wasn't spoon fed, nor did he play the victim. He put in the hours, rolled up his sleeves, believed in himself and went to work! Alec is a collegiate CHAMPION and history maker.

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helping others in our summit up! community

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Final Thoughts

It is important for us all to understand that there are early and late developers in all walks of life. Whether a kid gets placed on a B team or someone in the workplace is afforded that opportunity to climb the ladder, it is YOU who has the chance to act and not play the victim. Player's can work at their game to better themselves in order to get to the next level. Conversely, professionals in the workplace have the opportunity to dwell, work hard or even risk it all by leaving their job of many years in order to attempt climbing at another organization. Try to surround yourself with someone who understands potential and someone who is willing to take a chance on you. Everyone loves an underdog story! As a coach and business person I enjoy taking chances on people. I strive to give them the tools, motivation and drive to excel and make a difference - it can be POWERFUL!

In closing, be patient and trust the process. Until next week, SUMMIT UP! you've got this.

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quote for the week

"Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

Mark Twain