As our inaugural season approaches, we wanted to give you more of an introduction to the players who will represent Lansing Common on the field this summer. Today, it’s time to get to know Julian Birge.
What position do you play and what do you think Lansing Common fans will enjoy most about the way you play?
I play center mid, primarily defensive. I think Lansing Common fans will enjoy my work rate, intensity, and the fact that I play simple with the ball.
You were named captain after your freshman season at Alma. Now you are also a coach at East Lansing High School. Coach Oaks noted you will be one of the team’s most senior players, so I imagine you will be a leader on this team as well. What kind of leadership style would you say you have? And is leadership something you have always gravitated towards?
I’d say I lead more by example than anything else, but over the years I’ve grown into being a little bit more vocal. It wasn’t something I was always comfortable with as a younger player, but I do feel it is always something I’ve wanted to be. I hope that I can lead by example not only with the way I play, but with the way I carry myself and treat my teammates.
What is the most important lesson you think you will be able to impart on our younger players?
I think just that the minor details really matter, and that comes with intense focus and effort. Always paying attention and learning from your mistakes rather than letting them affect you negatively.
Despite being out of college, and working as a coach, you have been continuing to play at this level in the summer. What motivates you to keep going with what is a heavy time commitment when you have so much other stuff going on in your life?
I think I just still feel that I have more to give as a player. It has been my greatest passion for so long, I’m just not ready to give up playing at a high level. I know I can’t do this when I get older, so I just want to get the absolute most out of myself as a player while I still can.
In an article with Oakland County FC, you noted how important Coach Oaks was to your development. What is it about his coaching style that clicked with you in your college career?
I got to know Oaks first when he was my assistant club coach my junior and senior year of high school. The belief he showed in me from the very start just gave me so much confidence. He was one of the people who believed in me before I believed in myself. It is more about who he is as a person that helped me develop and grow into the player I am today. I play better when I know the coach has confidence in me, and he showed me that he did every day.
What was your favorite moment you have ever had on a soccer field?
This is a tough question, because there are a handful of really great memories. Some of the goals I’ve scored have been fun to look back on, but I’d have to go with my senior year at Alma when we won our conference tournament semi-final game to make it to the conference finals. That game is maybe the best game I have been a part of, and I was able to share it with my Alma family, which made it even better.
What hobbies do you have when you aren’t playing soccer?
I love hanging out with my friends and family, playing and watching other sports such as basketball, tennis, and volleyball, and I like to play a bit of piano and sing on occasion.
Stay tuned for more player profiles and details on our upcoming Midwest Premier League season. Season tickets and memberships are still available for the 2021 season, get yours today!
