Senior Xavier Steele is dressed in his white away jersey. As he walks to the bus he pops in his earbuds and hits shuffle. While he is listening to his music he’s focusing on his game mind set, working on keeping his nerves down. As he walks on the field for warm ups he feels the hot turff under his feet and feels a nice autumn breeze on his face. As he’s going through warm ups he keeps a level head and a calm composed mind set. When the first whistle is blown he’s dialed in and ready to protect his goal.

Steele started his Fort Osage soccer career on JV, but halfway through his freshmen season he was moved up to starting varsity full time. He has been around a soccer ball for his whole life, and never took a second thought about any other sport. Steele loves the game and has never thought of playing another sport because he grew up with soccer. 

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was five on a team but since I was born really,” Steele said. “My brother is five and half years older than me so I’ve been around soccer my entire life.”

Steele tore his MCL and mostly tore his PCL in his knee his junior year while playing his last indoor soccer game. He was out from February till he was cleared in August. He was initially really torn inside because he had to miss his spring season and he was worried it would carry on into his fall season. Fortunately, Steele came back to the game that fall with a new appreciation for the game, and meantally and physically stronger. His first game back is one of his favorite moments on the soccer field. He had a huge sigh of relief when he realized he was back. Junior Hayden Leeds believes Steele is extremely dedicated to soccer and his team. 

“I think he’s really dedicated, he’s always there,” Leeds said. “He never misses a practice or game.” 

Steele is one of the starting center backs, and one of the main jobs of the center back is to help the rest of the team see the field as he sees it. He’s always helping the mids and forwards see the field even when their backs are turned. Sophomore Beck Snowden thinks he is one of the best examples to follow on the field.

“He’s a pretty smart player, and pretty authoritative on the field,” Sonwden said.

Steele is an open minded player who is willing to do whatever is best for the team. He is best suited and has the most skill when he’s in his center back positions, but he knows how to play everywhere on the field. Steele enjoys helping the team even if that means playing a different position.

“I’m open to play wherever coach puts me,” Steele said.

Steele is in his mind set helping his defensive line stay on target and markup. He is telling his mids where to pass and helping them see the field with their backs turned. He has William Chrisman’s No. 9 on him the whole game, and they are constantly pushing and racing each other to the ball. In the end Steele and his defensive line comes out on top not allowing any goals.