Eric Conerty – Butler University

Eric Conerty

Soccer

Butler University

Why did you choose Butler as your final destination?

I chose Butler for a few reasons. I got a great offer to an even better University, and they are a top 10, Division 1 soccer program. Their education is one of the best, and they have a 98% placement rate for graduates. In addition, I am looking to get a business degree, and Butler’s business program is top notch. Their internship program is the top rated one in the country, so it suits me perfectly.

What was the turning point that made you want to play soccer in college?

I have been around soccer my entire life. All three of my older brothers played college soccer, so it was always the goal. It is a dream of mine to play professionally, and I still want to, but the next step in my career is to play at the collegiate level. From the first time I played soccer, I knew it was for me. It felt natural, and it always took my mind off of the outside world. Because of this, I always knew soccer was special to me. Playing college soccer is just the next step, and I couldn’t be more excited.

What is your favorite moment from soccer career?

There are a lot of moments in my soccer career that I have loved. There is no way I could choose just one, but I think my two favorite moments came from playing with the Columbus Crew, which is a professional MLS club based out of Columbus Ohio. I was given the opportunity to train with the professional team and be with them in the locker room and be in a very serious soccer environment. I had a feeling where everything I worked for finally paid off, and it was very special. The second memory I love is scoring against East Kentwood, who was the reigning state champs. I scored a free kick, and to celebrate, I ran to the bench and celebrated with my entire team. It was very special, especially because I was able to celebrate with Sammy Postlewait, who has been my best friend since birth. Finally getting to play with him, and celebrate a game-winning goal against a great team was an amazing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

What is your biggest goal once you get to Butler?

I have a lot of goals when I go to Butler, but the main one is to develop myself on and off the field to be ready to play professionally. My main goal is to learn as much as I can from the coaches and upperclassmen, which will help me develop into a better player. I want to get freshman of the year and get as many honors as possible. It is a very tough goal to achieve, but I am not going there to do anything less. It’s going to be a dream to just play there, but if I am able to accomplish those things, it will make it that much better.

Describe your journey from early soccer experiences to now.

My journey with soccer has been the best. It started at a young age, where Sammy Postlewait and I would play nonstop at our brothers’ tournaments. We would be 30 fields away from their games, shooting on an empty net, and we were always playing. Growing up, I played on a very good young team with a few Central students like Jared Ireland and Nolan Vandergrift. Our u9-u15 team was one of the best in the country, and we had some of the best memories together. Eventually, I had to play for a team in Detroit, which allowed me to get the exposure to colleges that I wanted. From there, I moved to a different state and got the chance to play with a professional team. The journey took a big step when I came back to play high school soccer with my best friends at FHC, and it was the best choice I have ever made. I was able to see why I loved soccer so much again, and it was a fun, relaxed environment that let me get one last chance to be as relaxed as possible before college. It was the most fun I have ever had, and the kids I got to play with are my friends for life now. Soccer has been the only constant thing in my life, and it has always been there for me. It made me a better person, student, brother, and friend, and I will always be grateful for it.