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 Zac Kelly.
What position do you play and what do you think Lansing Common fans will enjoy most about the way you play?
I play goalkeeper and I think what the fans will love most about me is my passion for the game. I love to celebrate with our supporters and I feed off of the energy that the fans bring!
You proved at Holt that you could play up top, or in the net. I feel like most people with the ability to score goals would rather do that full time, but you have mostly stayed as a keeper throughout your high school career, and it looks like that will be your job at MSU as well. What has made you stick with that role throughout high school?
I’ve always played in the field for most of my club soccer career and it wasn’t until the last four years that I started playing in goal full time. I chose to move to play goalkeeper full time because I like the pressure that comes with playing in that position, along with the leadership role that is needed to fulfill the position.
In an LSJ article, you talked about how being a keeper helped you when you were playing in the field, as you knew what the keeper might be thinking. How do you think that experience in the field at Holt last year also impacted you as a goalkeeper going forward?
Being able to play in the field this year, helped me realize how important my job as a goalkeeper, is to organize the backline in order to not allow any threatening attacks.
I imagine going from high school to a D1 college program is a pretty crazy leap in terms of the level of play. But I also saw that you were training with Lansing United back when you were 15. How has that experience helped you throughout your career, and has it made the transition to college any easier this year?
Training with Lansing United as a Sophomore in high school was a big step, but also very beneficial to me. Not only seeing harder shots and playing with older guys but being able to mature as a player and person. I am looking forward to more of that this season as I will get to play with older guys and learn what it is going to take to play at a higher level.
What are you hoping to work on and improve with Lansing Common this summer? And what are your future aspirations for your career in soccer?
I am hoping to improve upon my decision making and making that transition to the college level a little bit easier after playing with a talented group of guys this season, that will push me, day in and day out to get better, not only as a player but as a person. Of course, my aspirations as a soccer player are to play at the professional level, but I hope to coach after my playing days are over. I enjoy giving back and it is cool to see kids who were once like me excel and get better after all the hard work they have put in.
What was your favorite moment you have ever had on a soccer field?
One of my favorite soccer memories was our (Holt 2020 season) District semifinal game. We were in a penalty shoot-out. I was the first kicker and missed, badly. I had to gather myself and come up big with some saves to help my team advance. I ended up saving 3/5 penalties and we ended up moving on to the final, eventually losing in the Regional final.
What hobbies do you have when you aren’t playing soccer?
When I am not playing soccer, you can usually find me on the golf course. If I am not working on the course, I am playing golf. I have always liked being outside, and what a better way to do that then playing golf.
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!
