Senior Nathan Kinser is the goalkeeper for varsity soccer. Kinser also plays club soccer for the Dallas Texans. Kinser is signed to play soccer at Southern Methodist University.
Pre-Game:
Warm-up: Stretching and listening to music
Hype song: Welcome To The Jungle
Go-to drink: Water
Favorite snack: Apple and peanut butter
Post-Game:
The Red Ledger: When did you start playing soccer?
Nathan Kinser: I started playing when I was five years old. I chose goalkeeping, because I liked diving around as a kid and had pretty good hand-eye coordination, so it came naturally to me. I also liked defending a lot more than scoring goals when I first started.
TRL: What persuaded you to play the sport?
NK: I was persuaded to play soccer by my love for competition. The sense of challenge I get when playing against high-level opponents always pushes me to improve as a goalkeeper.
TRL: How has the season gone so far?
NK: The season has gone well so far and we still have an undefeated record. We are currently 2-0 in district and haven’t given up a goal through two games. We have some tough games coming up, but I believe we have a great opportunity to win a District Championship and make a deep playoff run.
TRL: What are your goals for this season?
NK: My goals for the season are to win the District Championship, make it past the area round in playoffs and continue my development and growth as a goalkeeper.
TRL: How would you describe your team?
NK: I would describe our team as very skillful and dynamic in moving the ball. Our greatest strengths are defending in the midfield and counter-attacking quickly. We have had great memories, especially beating Terrell in the first round of playoffs last season.
TRL: What has been your biggest challenge this season and how did you overcome it?
NK: My biggest challenge was overcoming my injury to my right leg. I pulled three different muscles, and I was sidelined for a couple months at the very start of the club season. It was difficult for me to mentally to stay patient and fully recover.
TRL: Why did you choose SMU?
NK: I chose SMU because it checked all the boxes I wanted in a college. The academics are strong, it’s located in a great city like Dallas, and the soccer program is very strong. SMU has some of the best soccer facilities in the country and has historically had success on the national level as well. I also really liked the experience of the coaching staff and overall demeanor of the team.
TRL: What is your motivation to compete at a high level?
NK: I look up to my dad. He has an incredible work ethic and always focuses on doing things the right way, even if it’s difficult. This is one of the reasons I’m excited to play at SMU. It is an environment that will challenge me to become a better goalkeeper and allow myself to compete with the nation’s best players.
