Dream come true
JACKSON TWP — There was a time when playing soccer in college was just a dream for Bryce Benjamin.
Then came his senior season.
In his only campaign as a starter, Seneca Valley’s goalkeeper tied the program record for shutouts (10) and helped the Raiders to a Section 2-AAA title, finishing with an overall record of 16-3.
“Before last season, college soccer seemed to be an unrealistic goal for me,” Benjamin said. “But during the season, I started talking to some college coaches. That’s when I realized it could happen.”
Benjamin’s college choice came down to College of Wooster, Mount Aloysius and the University of Findlay.
“I visited Findlay in late February and everybody there was very friendly,” he said. “I thought they had a good balance of academics and athletics and felt I could grow my game there better than at the other two schools.”
Benjamin made his official decision March 24 when he signed a letter of intent to attend the Division II school, located 40 miles south of Toledo. He plans to major in computer science.
“Physically, I think his play will translate well to the college game,” said Seneca Valley coach George Williams. “He’s an extremely gifted athlete. He maintains a high level of fitness and that should serve him well. I’m very excited for him.”
Benjamin bided his time as the backup to then-Raiders’ netminder Colton Smith in 2013. The former knew that the 2014 season would be his first and only shot to leave his mark on the soccer field for SV.
Not only did his play impress Williams, but the veteran coach also admired the attitude Benjamin carried during and in between games.
“After every game, he would come up to either me or (assistant coach) Seth Verba and ask, ‘What can I improve on,’” said Williams. “He really is a student of the game.”
“There has been a lot of progress in my mental game,” Benjamin said. “Playing in goal takes a lot of confidence. If you get down on yourself for giving up a goal, it can affect your play the rest of the game. I’ve matured a lot in that way.”
For the past three years, Benjamin has taken part in the Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ training clinic for goalkeepers. He has made the most of the experience.
“It offered me better training as a goalie and it has prepared me for college,” he said.
Findlay is led by veteran head coach Andy Smyth. The Oilers were 4-13 last season, competing in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
“They plan to put me on the reserve team as a freshman, which is like a junior varsity team,” said Benjamin. “My goal is to be a starter my sophomore year and help the team win a GLIAC championship.”
Before his freshman season begins at Findlay, Benjamin will compete in the Shale Soccer Classic, an all-star game made up of 60 of the top high school/club players from around the country.
The event will take place July 25 at Perry High School in Massillon, Ohio.
“I found out in March that I had been picked for it,” he said. “I think it will be a fun game and a good learning experience for me. I’m excited about it.”
