SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Evie Kincaid, who plays travel soccer in the ECNL for Kansas City Athletics.
Kincaid is a three-time USYNT ID Center invitee and last year was named to the ECNL’s U15 Midwest All-Conference First Team last season.
SoccerWire: How has the recruiting process been for you so far and what have you learned about yourself while going through it?
Evie Kincaid: I think I have a unique perspective when it comes to recruiting because I’m in the 8th grade playing with sophomore girls, and I come from a family full of athletes. Even though I am in the 8th grade and not yet at the recruiting process, I’ve been able to see how my teammates are using social media, showcases and ID camps as a tool in their recruiting. I see the dedication it takes off the field that must be a part of your process.
In my family there were six elite professional athletes and many Division 1 multi-sport athletes. I’ve learned through my family that it takes more than talent. You need to be disciplined and resilient in your efforts. It’s important to find a good fit both athletically and academically. I watch a lot of college soccer and follow teams, coaches, and players on twitter. I’m looking at their style of play and the culture to see if I would be a good fit as I’m starting to identify schools and coaches that I am interested in. I hope to attend some ID Camps next year. For now, I try to post a lot of my highlights on Twitter and follow schools/coaches to learn more about them.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
EK: I’m a very good student and competitive about my grades. I would say I have favorite teachers, not necessarily favorite subjects yet. I have a lot of interests so I’m not sure what I would like to study in college. I’m interested in anything to do with sports, design/art, music.
SW: Growing up, who was your favorite soccer player?
EK: I had so many! Ronaldo, Messi, Marta, Rose Lavelle, Modric, Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne
SW: Where were you when you first heard that you would be participating in the USYNT ID Center event and what went through your mind?
EK: I’ve attended three USYNT ID Centers but the first one I was invited to I remember my mom told me when she picked me up from school. I felt extremely grateful, excited and a bit nervous. It’s always a great experience attending a USYNT ID Center!
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
EK: Outside of soccer I play club basketball, track, workout and play 3 instruments. If I have a free weekend, which is rare, then I might ref some soccer games.
SW: What are your favorite pair of soccer cleats that you have ever owned?
EK: My absolute favorite was the Adidas Messi Nemeziz 17+ 360 agility. I hope Adidas makes them again!
SW: What made you decide to play for KC Athletics and what has been your favorite memory playing for the team?
EK: I decided to play for KCA because I wanted to compete in the ECNL, and I really love the club! All the coaches are awesome, so supportive and dedicated to the players.
One memory that I will never forget is getting stuck in the elevator of our team hotel in Michigan with all my teammates. We were in the elevator for two hours! (It’s true when you all jump together at once the elevator will stop, don’t try it). It was oddly the best team bonding. We had a game the next morning and played one of our best games together.
SW: What does it mean to you to wear the captain’s armband?
EK: It’s an honor to represent and contribute to the team. I have great teammates so it’s easy to be a captain of the team.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play as a midfielder what would it be?
EK: You can learn a lot by watching soccer and specifically the position you want to play and the movement before, during and after having possession of the ball. I watched Modric a lot when I was younger. Find a player you admire and study them.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
EK: Huge shoutout to my parents. I couldn’t or wouldn’t want to do any of it without them. I really appreciate all my coaches Marcus, Kelly, Brad, John, Mike and Goran. I also appreciate all my teammates for pushing me every day in practice and being great teammates.
