It’s that time of year. Senior athletes are officially announcing their college commitments.  This is especially the case at BPHS. Senior Jacob (Jake) Coffield, a goalkeeper on the varsity boys soccer team, recently committed to continue his academic and soccer career at Thiel College!

Q: What was the first thing you felt or thought when it became official?

A: Surreal at first, I never really thought about when I first committed. It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders.

Q: Why did you choose this school and soccer program? What stood out most to you?

A: I liked the campus. I like how it’s small. My major. 

Q: Looking back, when did you first realize you wanted to play soccer in college?

A: My junior year soccer season.

Q: Who’s been the biggest influence in your soccer journey—coach, family, teammate—and why?

A: Coach Jay. He never really gave up on me. 

Q: What part of your game did you work the hardest on to reach this point?

A: The summer going into junior year. I was up 3 out of 7 days a week. 

Q: What’s a moment from your high school career that you’ll never forget?

A: Making the overtime save in the Lebo game this year

Q: How do you plan to balance college academics and soccer?

A: I talked to the coach, and they have practice outside of academic time. 

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to younger players who dream of playing in college?

A: Never give up. If you wanna play in college, you can do it. 

Q: What would you say to your younger self right now?

A: Keep working and believe in yourself. 

Q: What are you most excited about heading into your first season at college?

A: To see who I’m gonna be rooming with in college. 

Q: Off the field, how do you relax or unwind when you’re not training or studying?

A: Watch TV or play a video game. 

Q: Pregame ritual or song that always gets you hyped?

A: “Split/Whole Time” by Lil Yachty

Q: Favorite player or college game you watched growing up?

A: I used to go to Pitt games. 

Q: One word your teammates would use to describe you?

A: Fun.  

In addition to playing soccer for Thiel, Jake will major in Environmental Science Management! Congratulations, Jake!