Sports

Truitt Battin, The Soccer Star Making a Positive Impact

Published

4 years ago

July 30, 2020

Actors. Singers. Teachers. Doctors. Detectives. Authors. Businessmen. Cricketers. Footballers.

From the surface, having a stellar career and making an unparalleled reputation in the respective fields seems like a very easy job. But there is so much more than just glitz and glam for making a mark in an industry. Regardless of the field, to be known for doing something great, a whole lot of dedication and hard work is required.

There was a time when “making a career” in any field was very limited, but fortunately, today, the options to step in a field, professionally, are infinite. And it is all thanks to the trailblazers the world has blessed us with.

These are the people we follow, look up to, and get our inspirations from. Why? It’s simple and very clear, they are the ones making a positive impact, not on just one person, but hundreds and thousands of individuals across the world. And when it comes to soccer’s beloved star, Truitt Battin, the story is no different. With the dream to be a footballer from when he was just six years old, Battin has taken the idea of being an inspiration to people up a notch.

“My parents liked the name, as well as he [was] a good Christian guy, so that’s how I got my name.”

Funnily enough, Battin’s name came from an inspiration itself! His parents couldn’t decide what to name him until they came upon an article on Chick-fil-A founder, S. Truett Cathy. Who knew that he would one day become a muse, too, one who would be known throughout the world for spreading positivity!

Battin wasn’t just interested in playing soccer from when he was a kid. He knew that this is what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Soccer was more than just a game to Battin, and he wanted to be a part of it forever.

Battin grew up with the burning passion for being a great soccer star, and he was aware that he had the skills to be one. But he was also aware of the requisites and hassles that the game would demand of him. And that is when he began working his way to the top.

His first step was to polish the skills he owned, improve them and learn more. Not only did he put in endless hours to fulfill the demands, but he also began following a strict training schedule. This is probably one of the many things that distinguishes him from other players. Battin realized from a very early age that the game wasn’t just about the flashes and shimmers. Instead, it took a lot of courage and steadfastness to be a prominent figure in the soccer world, and because of that, he is known for his speed, vision on the field, and being able to cut in and out left and right with the ball and being able to shoot at any time.

Battin leaped at his career as an attacking threat and performed exceptionally well in all the games that he played. He was just 11 when he was offered to play for Red Star Belgrade! Several other clubs were also interested in hiring Battin as a player, but FIFA rules made switching quite challenging.

Every summer, Battin is invited to Europe to play pro for Red Star, FK Partizan, and some other teams. He continually plays there to work on his skills on and off the ball. He has also been invited to play and train at FIFA headquarters in Serbia with some of the best soccer players from around the world.

As of today, Battin plays professional soccer in Croatia. Prior to that, he was a player in Switzerland for FC Sion and in Serbia for Red Star and FK Partizan. Battin is currently one of the seven USA pro-FIFA soccer players playing in Europe.

But the field isn’t the only place where Battin has become a prominent sensation. The young star is also consistently being highlighted as an online influence who is sharing his everyday life experiences in an attempt to share positivity and happiness throughout the globe.

Battin knows that people look up to celebrity stars for encouragement and support, which is why, through sharing his experiences, he aims at motivating his fans. Through his social media accounts, Battin is constantly trying to bring hope in this dark world!

Truitt Battin is not just a stellar soccer player, but an inspiration and a ray of hope, for all those who are looking for a little push to take their careers forward and make their marks!

Sports

Prep Soccer Names Saint Louis University Men’s Soccer Player Jackson Delkus as the 2024 Nationwide #1 Soccer Player for Fall 2024

Published

2 months ago

October 9, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Photo courtesy of Jackson Delkus

By: Georgette Virgo

“Prep Soccer” crowned Jackson Delkus, a 6’0″ forward from St. Louis, Missouri, the top high school boys soccer player in the nation for 2024. The former Laurel Springs student and St. Louis City SC Academy standout earned this prestigious ranking through his skills, versatility, and dedication to the sport.

Delkus’ rise to the top spot is no surprise to those who have followed his journey on the soccer field. Last July 2024, Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer team proudly announced Jackson Delkus as part of their 2024 recruiting class. “Top Drawer Soccer” recognized him as the #1 player for the Class of 2024 in Heartland.

A Versatile Powerhouse on the Field

His versatility and record-breaking speed characterize Delkus’ playing style. Primarily positioned as a forward, Jackson Delkus excels in multiple positions across the front line, including left-wing, right-wing, and striker. His seamless transition between these roles makes him a threat to any defense.

Saint Louis University head men’s soccer coach Kevin Kalish speaks highly of Jackson Delkus. He mentions, “Jackson is a powerful attacker with incredible speed and a high work rate who can make plays in the attacking half of the field. I have watched him for most of his youth career, and he is an intense competitor who thrives under the spotlight.”

His well-rounded skill set complements Delkus’s offensive skills. Despite his natural inclination toward attacking play, he has developed strong defensive capabilities, often tracking back to support his team’s defense and disrupt opponents’ plays. This two-way play style has made him an asset to his team.

Breaking Records and Pushing Limits

As a soccer player who always strives to bring his A-game, Jackson Delkus is committed to self-improvement, as highlighted in his weekly one-on-one striker training and impressive physical achievements. He holds the freshman record for sprints at Chaminade College Preparatory School, showcasing his exceptional speed of 11.72 in 100 meters and 25.17 in 200 meters.

His December 2023 speed record of 23.4 miles per hour at Legion of Strength, a training facility frequented by professional and amateur athletes in the St. Louis area, further strengthens his speed record.

From speed, Jackson Delkus also shows his ability to score. During the fall 2021 season, Delkus’s speed and skill combination made him the top scorer for the St. Louis City SC Academy U16 team.

These feats of athleticism are not mere numbers; they translate directly to Delkus’ performance on the pitch. His pace allows him to beat defenders, create space for teammates, and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Aside from improving his speed and scoring, a big part of Delkus’ training is to develop his weaker foot, resulting in a playing style that keeps defenders guessing. “Although I’m naturally right-footed, I’ve put in countless hours to improve my left foot,” Jackson Delkus shares. “Now, most of my goals come from my left foot, which gives me a significant advantage on the field.”

The young forward has also unintentionally created his signature look on the field with his terrycloth headband, making him easily recognizable to fans and opponents alike. This trademark has only added to his growing reputation in the soccer community.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Jackson Delkus joins Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer program, expectations are high for his continued development. His combination of speed, skill, and versatility positions him as a potential game-changer at the collegiate level and beyond.

Despite his recognition and strong presence on the soccer field, Jackson Delkus remains grounded and focuses on his continued growth as a player. “Being named the top high school player by Prep Soccer is an incredible honor, but I know this is just the beginning,” he mentions. “I’m excited to join Saint Louis University and continue pushing myself to new heights.”

Delkus’ rising career as a soccer player, highlighted by his recognition as the nation’s top high school player, is a valuable addition to this portfolio and a crucial step toward his journey of playing professionally.

However, Jackson Delkus believes there’s still much to achieve. With his abilities and limitless potential, he looks forward to continuously impacting the sport today and in the future.