Athlete Interview: Logan Wilkinson
Overcoming Challenges and Chasing Dreams
A Passion for Soccer That Started Early
Meet Logan Wilkinson, a 15-year-old sophomore in the class of 2027, who has been playing soccer for over a decade. His journey began with six years of recreational play, followed by five years with competitive club teams. Now in his second year of high school soccer for our AHS, Logan is building a promising career. Despite his youthful age, Logan has already experienced both triumphs and setbacks. One of his most memorable moments came during his varsity debut, where his team prevailed over Paso Robles in their first game of the season—a victory that was especially meaningful as it marked a long-awaited win against a challenging opponent.
Turning Setbacks Into Motivation
Logan’s path to varsity soccer wasn’t without its obstacles. The greatest challenge he faced in his soccer career occurred during his freshman year, when he suffered a concussion just before high school tryouts, putting him out for a month. Although he didn’t make the varsity team in his first year—a blow to his expectations— Logan took the setback in stride, using it as motivation to work even harder. He made the JV team and kept pushing himself, ultimately earning a starting spot on varsity in his sophomore year. This resilience is a testament to his commitment and drive to succeed, both on and off the field. “I used it as fuel to end up where I am now.”
Balancing Soccer Dreams with Academic Ambitions
As Logan looks toward the future, he is exploring both academic and athletic opportunities. While he dreams of playing NCAA soccer, he is cautious about fully committing to that path just yet. He wants to make sure that soccer isn’t the only reason he attends university and hopes to find an academic passion that excites him. In the short term, Logan is focused on excelling in high school, aiming to graduate with A’s and B’s and help his soccer team win a CIF title. Beyond academics and athletics, Logan has personal goals for the future, including financial stability, traveling the world, and eventually starting a family.
A Mindset of Self-Improvement and Determination
Outside of soccer and school, Logan enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching TV, playing video games, and staying active with workouts. His commitment to self-improvement is evident in his approach to both sports and life. One key lesson he’s learned throughout his career is that “obsession beats talent every time.” This mindset influences his determination to be the best he can be, and his advice to his younger self is simple yet powerful: “Be proud but never satisfied.” Logan’s passion, resilience, and thoughtful approach to the future suggest that this is just the beginning of a successful journey ahead.
