Ben Larson

My Story

What are you doing currently?
I'm currently working as a Project Coordinator on the Digital Transformation team within Global
Technology at the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. I also serve as the
PR/Communications Coordinator for West Seattle Junction FC and Rhodies FC (USL 2 & USL W
teams based in Seattle).

How did Strikers shape you as a person?
I learned a lot about what it takes to be a good leader during my time playing for Strikers. I
went on to be the captain of my team in college for two and a half years, but I wouldn't have
been successful in that had it not been for what I learned about leadership and work ethic from
my Strikers coaches and teammates.

How is high school/club soccer different from college soccer?
Speed of play, level of competition, and the need to win. I think that last point is the biggest
difference that people don't prepare you for. Coaches/college programs have one job, and that
is to win. It can be ruthless at times, but that's what makes great players/teams stand out from
the rest.

What were the key factors you considered when evaluating potential colleges?
The main factor for me was what my career would look like post-graduation. From when I was a
freshman in high school I knew I wanted to pursue a career in marketing after college, and a
Portland- based school with a good business program seemed like exactly where I needed to

be, with Nike, Adidas, the Timbers, Thorns, and Trailblazers being just a few examples of places
I dreamed of jump starting my career at.

What was the most challenging part of the recruiting process?
I feel like a lot of the guys in and around my age felt this way, but it's difficult to get recruited as
an athlete in Montana. There were less opportunities to play in front of college coaches, and it
felt like I had to advocate for myself more than your average high school recruit.

What advice would you give to younger athletes going through the recruiting process?
Don't get discouraged when things don't go your way during the recruitment process. When
one door closes, another one is bound to open, but it's on you to eager to find the next
opportunity.

What was/is the best part of playing college sports?  What was/is the hardest part?
The best part was definitely the sense of brotherhood within the team. There are guys I met my
very first day of training camp my freshman year that I'm still friends with today, and will be
friends with for a long time. Those types of friendships helped things feel easier when school or
life got hard, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. On the other hand, I think the biggest
challenge for me was making sure I kept school, soccer, and my personal life all in balance to
the best of my abilities.

Is there anything else you would like to share with high school athletes?
The one thing I'd say is to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Whether
in school, soccer, or your career, some opportunities only come around once, and they may end
up opening another door to something great.