TRINITY, Fla. — Mitchell soccer senior AJ Misemer says he always knew he would end up playing soccer.
“Just him knowing what to do because of his background in soccer helped me develop a lot," he said of his father's glory days on the pitch at Eckerd College. "I feel like, so that was definitely a big piece in getting where I am today.”
AJ says he grew up hearing awesome stories about his dad, and when they played together he wanted nothing more than to follow in his father's footsteps. And he says he was able to do that all four years at Mitchell High School.
“So, Mitchell is a super serious high school soccer program," AJ said. "They take it seriously and that’s big for the development and that’s big for the success of the players as well, not just the program.”
AJ’s soccer career is what his coaches define as the definition of success for this program.
He says he had a rough time in his sophomore and junior years, battling injuries left and right. But he didn't let that get him down.
AJ says he fought hard, went through all the rehab, and made a spectacular comeback in his senior year.
“Going back to, like, the coaching staff and your teammates, that’s a huge part of recovering and just staying strong throughout the injuries and just getting ready and getting back to full shape so you can come in and make an impact yourself,” he said.
The Mustangs fell short in the state semifinals this year, but AJ leaves behind a successful career: 22 goals, 32 assists, and he heads to college as one of the winningest players in Mitchell's soccer program history.
“I never really set a goal to like a specific amount of stats, goals, assists," he said. "All that I wanted to achieve in my four years, it’s really just go out there, play as a team and like do what you can. It’s not just about me, it’s the teammates that I surrounded myself with throughout the four years here, they really had the biggest impact on our success.”
As he closes out this chapter of his career, AJ says he hopes to carry on what he’s learned at Mitchell, on and off the field, to his next stop.
Next up for him is Jacksonville University, where he’s committed to play for the next four years.
He says staying close to home was important, especially having his dad right there to give him pointers. AJ said he also wants to see his high school team win a state championship, so being close to home will give him the chance to attend those games if his schedule will allow it.
He said he’s confident in their ability to get there, especially with this coaching staff and everything they’ve implemented.
AJ says he knows playing for the Jacksonville Dolphins will be different, but he’s taking with him everything he’s learned playing for Mitchell the past four years and plans to have a successful career, there too.