Alex as an 11yr old Barons rookie.

Welcome to our new website feature where we get a detailed look at the progression and development of an one of the Senior Academy players. This week we asked Alex Weidman (Barons U17 Black/Mainland H.S.) to talk about his Barons experience.

"I tried out for the Barons all the way back in 2001 and I made the decision that if I make the team then I was leaving MUSA to play for the Barons, this proved to be the case and so I left my childhood friends that I played with for a better future in the game. I still saw the kids I used to play with at MUSA around town but the bottom line was that playing with the Barons would give me a better chance at achieving my goal of playing collegiate soccer.

I was a steady player for 3 years and enjoyed lots of playing time and many accolades. In 2004 our team split up for Super-Y League, I became one of the older leaders on the 91 Super-Y team and we went went to 2004 Super Y Finals which was a great experience. Due to 

Alex as a 17 year old Barons Pro.

my play at the SYL Finals I was chosen to attend the US Club Soccer National ID2 camp in North Carolina, that was a great opportunity for me to show my ability, but unfortunately I got injured for the last two days and was unable play to my full potential.

After the 2005 season the original team that got split up joined together again, I suffered a drop off as my body grew and players were becoming physicaly bigger then me, I struggled through a year of minimum playing time and low self esteem. However, we then went over to England and Isaw lots of playing time, my confidence grew and I got acclimated with my growing body. After that the game seemed easy I could hold off defenders make my passes and was scoring with ease.

In the 2007 season I became the leading goal scorer on the team and in my last game before high school started I got injured (hip) lost my touch and had to find it again.

The original U17 Boys Black, the five remaining players are circled. (Left to Right) - Corey Hennessey, Kevin Curran, Alex Weidman, Jake McPaul, and Caleb Garza.

The 2008 season started slow but I’m starting to find my form and am playing all over the field- Right Back, Outside Midfield, and Forward. Right back is an interesting twist that is a challenge but I feel that I am up to the task if Coach Oz (Tim Oswald) feels comfortable with me there. It intrigues me to play right back because that is where my two older brothers played and I have never played there.

I have really enjoyed my time at the Barons, over the 6 years with the team, players have come and gone but I have made plenty of friends along the way.

Of the original players that were selected back in 2001 (we were U11) for the team playing only five of us remain, Caleb Garza, Kevin Curran, Cory Hennessy, Jake McPaul, and Myself.

I am looking forward to the college experience and playing in college and I believe that the Barons played a big role in making me the player I am today."