Congrats to Reece Bosgraaf on winning our July 2022 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Reece plays for our Rapids 07B Central Select, E64, and for Summit High School in Breckenridge, CO as a center back. Reece is the embodiment of dedication to the sport, commuting over four hours a day for practice and games. In just two years, Reece moved from the platinum level in the Centennial League to the top of the P1 Champions League and was invited to join the new E64 National Team. In early 2022, Reece suffered a broken ankle but worked hard to recover and get back on the field for the final two games of the season. Along with his accomplishments on the field, Reece also maintains a 3.92 out of 4.00 GPA and is a member of the Thespian Honors Society.
This August, Reece will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We spoke with Reece to learn a bit more about him and his persistent drive to excel. Check out the full interview below!
What influence has soccer had in your life?
Soccer is a huge boost for me physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s a place to feel free and forget about any worries. It gives me structure and meaning to my week, and it helps me refocus and refresh my mind.
Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?
I believe I was nominated for this award because of my dedication to my team and to continuously improve. I live in Breckenridge and knew if I wanted to play at the top level, I would have to commit to a Denver team. I practice 4 days a week, games typically 1-2 days, and work with a speed coach as well. I am in the car typically 4 hours a day to and from practice to make my dream possible. However, as an elite player, you do what you need to make it happen.
What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?
The thing I really enjoy the most about the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club is the chemistry with having players with similar skill levels and similar drive on your team. The camaraderie to push each other, have fun with each other, and support each other makes it a fun experience. Secondly, I would have to say would be the opportunity to improve and play at higher levels.
What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?
A soccer accomplishment that I’m proud of is making the EDS team for Rapids and the opportunity to compete in the Surf Cup in July with the team and being a part of the new e64 team next season to compete at a national level.
What academic achievement are you most proud of?
An academic achievement that I’m proud of is maintaining a 3.92/4 GPA with advancement in math. All of this while spending the time I do with soccer is a huge achievement.
How do you think your teammates would describe you?
My teammates would most likely describe me as dedicated to the team. When I was out this season for 6 weeks due to a broken ankle, my teammates commented the team leadership just wasn’t the same without me. It was an amazing feeling to return and be able to contribute to our team’s strong finish this season.
What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?
This season, I had my first major injury when I broke my ankle after the first game of the season. I was devastated when it happened, realizing I would miss part of the season. The next day I was in an ankle boot and crutches going to school. My routine of practices plus games came to a crashing halt. I had 2 weeks of non-weight bearing. I found it hard not to be in my routine. In the absence of soccer in my life, I got involved in our high school theater that needed help. I was put on tech and spent countless hours helping with the play, which was such a great experience. Once that was over and I could start exercising again, I was laser-focused on my goal of getting back on the field. I used all my resources available to get strong, and after just 6 weeks, I was back on the field. The doctors were amazed at my progress. The return to play was a rough road, but I was determined to get back to my team and become a strong contributing member again.
What’s your favorite soccer player and team?
My favorite soccer player has to be Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool for his outstanding play as a center-back (and he happens to be Dutch like me.)
What do you hope to pursue in the near future?
I would like to attend university and continue my soccer career.
Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!
My friends at school and on my team inspire me to be the best player I can be so I can keep showing them how good of a player and a teammate I really am. I get inspired by their success, and they are inspired by mine. We all push each other to continue to show up and be better.
What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?
Something that I enjoy outside of soccer is snowboarding, theater, wakeboarding, wake surfing, and basketball.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
