Nikki Priban, Western Reserve Academy

Nikki Priban

Class: 2029
Position: D
Height: 5'3"
School: Western Reserve Academy
Club Team: Internationals ECNL
Birthdate: August 8, 2011

Player Bio

How would you briefly describe your gameplay style?

Fast, strong and brave defender. I thrive on teams that play possession soccer that allows me to play out of the back. One of my strengths is the ability to make accurate line breaking passes with either foot, to create offensive opportunities. I’m not afraid to challenge any player. I am the most vocal player and thrive on giving proactive, positive feedback to my team on and off the field.

Can you provide a brief description of your mentality or personality?

I am outgoing and believe that you can be a fierce competitor, but also have good sportsmanship. I love after hard fought games where I may have been aggressive to other players they will tell me that they enjoyed playing against me. Even when we are losing I never slow down and am always pushing my teammates to keep their heads up.

Are you involved in any clubs, organizations, or have you received any non-sport awards?

5 year cross country runner & won 2nd place in 7 & 8 grade championship. School news anchor, student council & 2 year basketball cheerleader & won CYO championship. My athletic accomplishments are great but I am most proud of the nonprofit organization I started called football4all after a trip to Africa where I spent time with a girls Soccer Academy, and grade school kids teaching soccer.

What skills or qualities have you developed, such as leadership, teamwork, or community service?

Over the last two years on my ECNL team I have learned that you don’t have to be the best player to be a team leader. Just this year I found my voice on the field and now I never shut up. Soccer led me to start my nonprofit where I have helped to raise money and collect supplies for young soccer players in Third World countries.

Have you faced any significant challenges? If so, please describe.

The biggest challenge I have faced is having confidence in myself and overcoming my fear of making mistakes. I support all of my teammates when they have bad games but I beat up on myself. I started seeing a counselor to work on this and I feel like I am improving every game, which lets me be more free and creative. It is still a work in progress but getting there.

What type of college are you looking for?

My dream is to attend an Ivy League school or NYU. I find that large cities and intellectual communities stimulate me mentally and physically and I feel like that’s where I could contribute the greatest academically and athletically. That being said, I am open to visiting other schools that have strong premed or pre-law programs as I haven’t decided yet.