Star Troy Elgersma has played soccer his whole life. Hailing from Redlands, California, Elgersma grew up surrounded by soccer as his dad played soccer in college.
Elgersma, a senior in the Kogod School of Business, plays center midfield for American; however, this year is different.
“At the beginning of his career, we played him more as an attacking player and this year we’ve played him more as a center midfielder,” head coach Zach Samol said.
Elgersma played at local club Pateadores before joining American.
“It was a huge time commitment, practices were like an hour away and three or four times a week,” Elgersma said.
For Samol, it was an event in Phoenix, Arizona, that sold the deal.
“We saw him with his Pateadores team, he had grown into his body and he was moving well. And you couple that with his brain and the soccer he had for us, it was like a no-brainer for us to get him to come here,” Samol said.
Elgersma’s talents have received further recognition: He was Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year last fall season, this season he is Preseason Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year and just recently won Patriot League Midfielder of the Year. Most recently, he became Patriot League Scholar Athlete of the Year for men’s soccer.
Elgersma’s career total is 14 goals and 15 assists, totalling 43 points.
He’s embraced his role as a team captain.
“Being a leader means handling my stuff and being an impactful player in that way, but also making sure the team is functioning how it should,” Elgersma said. “I’m always trying to make the team as good as possible.”
An attacking player for three years, Elgersma now plays center midfielder.
“He’s taken that decision in stride and his mentality is whatever the team needs and whatever we need to do,” Samol said. “He really just cares about the team winning.”
Going forward, Elgersma is focused on the next level. “The pro calendar starts next semester and the [Major League Soccer] draft is coming up in December,” Elgersma said.
“I’m trying to play professional soccer, that’s all I really want to do with my life,” Elgersma said.
Samol also thinks Elgersma is headed for the pros.
“I think he’s very good and I think he will and his drive and his willingness to reach that goal as that’s going to get him there too,” Samol said.
Elgersma acknowledges his parents’ role in his career.
“Both of my parents have been so supportive throughout my whole journey. They’ve been able to visit out here from California. They’re super supportive, which is something I’m still thankful for,” Elgersma said.
This article was edited by Matthias Jaylen Sandoval, Connor Sturniolo, Penelope Jennings and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Sabine Kanter-Huchting, Avery Grossman, Audrey Smith and Ava Stuzin.
