This is an article in Sporty Seniors, a bi-weekly column celebrating M-A senior athletes’ dedication to their sport.
Since the age of four, senior Tomer Jacobs has nurtured his love for soccer, which began with his grandfather. “My grandpa was a big soccer fan, so everyone on his mom’s side really encouraged my love for soccer,” Jacobs said. His grandfather remains a central figure in his passion for soccer and a strong influence throughout his athletic career.
In addition to his grandfather, Jacobs also credits his older sister for shaping both his character and his approach to the sport. “We would regularly play together, and she would give me a lot of help and tactics on the mental side of the game,” Jacobs said. Now a concrete part of his life, soccer is more than simply a sport. “I just could never really imagine my life without soccer,” Jacobs said.
Currently a left winger on M-A’s varsity soccer team, Jacobs aims to be both a leader and a role model for his younger teammates. The leadership skills he has developed on the field also extend to the classroom. During games, he encourages the importance of collaboration, unity, and understanding among teammates. “Being able to have everyone on the same page is really important,” he said.
Like many dedicated student-athletes, Jacobs must juggle academics, his social life, and rigorous soccer training. To stay on track and avoid procrastination, Jacobs maintains a strict schedule. “You have to make sure that you have a strong routine in place, because if you don’t, everything’s messed up,” Jacobs said. “My personal routine was soccer practice right after school, and then going home and doing homework.” While this was effective, it left little room for social activities. “You’ve got to choose your priorities and what you value more,” he said. “And for me, I really enjoyed going to soccer and then getting my schoolwork done.”
Through inevitable setbacks, Jacobs lives by the motto, “Doing your best is all that you can do.” He holds this close to his heart because of his struggle with perfectionism. “I would beat myself up a lot, and I wanted to do my best at soccer, and I wanted to be an important player. And almost always, I didn’t live up to the standards that I set for myself,” he said. Inspirationally, Jacobs encourages athletes and students alike not to dwell on mistakes or unmet expectations. “It’s important to remind yourself that as long as you’re trying as hard as you can, there’s nothing more you can do,” he said.
Jacobs’ message to the juniors on the soccer team is to savor the moment because it goes by fast. “I remember when I was a junior, and it was senior night, and thinking that the seniors were so old. And then I’m a senior this year,” he said. “The only thing that can sabotage your soccer experience is if you take the joy out of it.”
As for freshmen and anyone pursuing a sport, his advice is simple: go for it. Looking ahead, Jacobs plans to pursue soccer in college and is considering semi-professional opportunities. For Jacobs, soccer isn’t just a game. It’s his “everything”.
