Walking into Darlington as a new senior from Houston, Texas, Jacob Gadde already had his goals for his first and last year set in mind.

“I came to Darlington, of course, for the soccer academy but also to better my education, and so that it could help me get into a good college,” Gadde said.

Gadde’s life has revolved around his passion, soccer, for as long as he can remember.

“I started playing since I was, like, two. Ever since I could walk, I’ve played soccer, and I haven’t played any other sport,” Gadde said. “My parents got me into it. I literally had no other choice, but I guess I just loved it ever since.”

Gadde plays both outside back and outside midfielder and sports number 21 for the team.

“The best part of playing those positions is you get to make tackles and you may get hit to the floor, but you also get to possibly score.”

On Feb. 1, 2017, Gadde was finally able follow his dream and sign with a college to continue his soccer career.

“I’m going to Dallas Baptist University. They found me and I kinda found them; they were, like, recruiting me,” Gadde said. “When I came here, they saw that I was playing at a higher level than I did in Texas, and they wanted me to come.”

As his short Darlington soccer career is coming to an end, Gadde begins to reflect on his favorite thing about the game.

“I like winning so I guess whenever we win would be my favorite thing. It’s a good memory,” Gadde said.

He is thankful for his opportunity to join Darlington’s Soccer Academy and encourages any soccer lovers to join.

“Come. It’s a good experience, and you’ll get into a good college,” Gadde said. “You’ll meet some really great people too who share your love for the game.”