Rising Star: Christian Duke
- by Jul 22, 2008
Birthdate: June 5, 1991
Hometown: Overland Park, Kan.
Youth Club: U-18 Kansas City Wizards
High School: I'll be a senior at Shawnee Mission South.
Position: I play in the center of midfield or as a left back.
College Plans: Right now I'm looking to play at a few schools - UC San Diego, Ohio State, Creighton, and Marquette. I'll be visiting the campuses this fall.
First soccer memory: In kindergarten, I went to the local middle school to play in a 3 vs. 3 tournament. My grandma promised me a $1 for every goal I scored. I ended up with $12.
Strengths: I see the game well and I have good distribution. I'm more of a playmaker than a goal scorer - I like to create opportunities for others. I'm also a free kick specialist.
Weaknesses: I struggle sometimes when keeping shape in the midfield. I need to work on my positional awareness.
Highlight: Last year, at the SUM U-17 tournament in Colorado, we got to the final and I scored three game-winning goals to help get us there.
Lowlight: At that same tournament, we lost to D.C. United 3-0 in the final.
Who do you play like? Carlos Marinelli. He plays for the Wizards and is left-footed like me.
Memorable advice: My Dad was my coach when I was growing up and he always told me to think a ball ahead, to be a step ahead of everyone else.
Other Sports: I play basketball for my high school.
Academic Interests: I'm really interested in sports medicine. I'd like to major in it at college.
Volunteering: I volunteer at local soccer camps. Sometimes, the small ones are tough to handle, but I really enjoy doing it.
Favorite team: Chelsea
Favorite player: Thierry Henry
Favorite Show: Anything on Fox Soccer Channel
Favorite Movie: The Departed
Favorite Book: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Favorite Music: I like Lil Wayne.
Craziest thing that's ever happened to you on the field: When I was 14, I tore the MCL in my right knee. I hope I never have to go through anything like that again.
