Submitted Photo From left to right, North Iowa Area Community College head coach Gannon Hersma and New Ulm senior Brennan Shaver after signing their commitments to play in the NIACC this fall. , pose for photos.
NEW ULM — New Ulm High School senior forward Brennan Shaver will be a rare addition this fall as he continues his soccer career at the collegiate level.
Shaver recently signed a commitment to play football for the North Iowa Area Community College Trojans. NIACC participates in the National College Athletic Association and is located in Mason City, Iowa.
And while most of the players on his new team are from Europe and South America, Shaver will be one of the few American players to earn a scholarship.
Last year's Trojans team had no seniors or juniors, and only eight of the team's 21 players played in high school in the United States.
“I think it will be a good opportunity.” Shaver said. “I never thought I would get this opportunity. Of course I tried, but I don't really know. I knew I wanted to go to college, but I didn't want to play the sport I love and go to school. Just being able to get an education and then go on to further education is a great feeling.”
Shaver's college soccer dreams began during his freshman year at New Ulm College, after he started taking the sport more seriously.
“I've been playing soccer since I was probably 6 years old, but I didn't take it seriously until high school.” Shaver said. “I played other sports before that, but I stopped doing everything else my freshman year and continued to play soccer year-round until now.”
Along with teammates from Spain, Italy, Chile and Venezuela, Shaver will have the opportunity to learn new things at his new club.
“I think it's going to be amazing.” Shaver said. “I think it's almost better than having American teammates. I think it's going to be a really great learning experience to be around people who have lived completely different lifestyles and maybe learn a different language and culture.” ”
Shaver will join an already young team with relatively new head coach to the NIACC in Gannon Haasma, who completed his first season as coach this fall.
“I think he's a wonderful person.” Mr. Shaver said of Mr. Haasma: “Personally, he was one of the main factors in me going there. There were several other schools in Iowa that I could have attended, but he was a big factor in me going there on my first visit. I met him. He was a very likable, competitive guy. [coach]. You can tell he wants you to be a better person, not just in soccer, but outside of soccer.he did some training [sessions] with some men [on the team]And they're very friendly, very helpful and want to help you in any way they can, whether it's football or anything. I think it's going to be great, to say the least. ”
Last season, the Trojans finished 3-8-3 overall.
Shaver completed his final season with the Eagles this fall as a three-year letterwinner. In 15 games with the Eagles last season, Shaver scored 15 goals and added 10 assists.
He also played for New Ulm United and Tonka United soccer clubs.
