Name: Austin Christopher

School: senior at Xenia High School

Age: 17

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: he led the Greater Western Ohio Conference with 10 shut outs (in 16 games), saves with 122 and was second in save percentage at 90 percent. His play helped Xenia win GWOC South Division with 5-0-0 record, team went 12-2-2 overall to be ranked in top five in Miami Valley Coaches Association Division I poll.

You shut out all five opponents while winning the GWOC South: For me as a keeper that’s the most satisfying part of winning the division. It’s something you kind of dream about. But our defense played great. The fullbacks (Jared Bond, Tyler Mullikin, Benji Rogers, Tanner Sparks and Yari Garey) did a great job of marking (guarding) the forwards from other teams. So it made my job a lot easier.

Keenan Mikal (former Dayton Dynamo defender) became the new boys head coach for Xenia this year. How long did it take you to buy into the defensive system he wanted: It took a while because we went from four primary defenders in the back to three and moved the outside defenders up more into the midfield. We kind of questioned him a first, but we knew he was a pretty good pro player and knew what he was doing.

How have you changed as a keeper from last year to this season: I’m a lot more confident and a lot more vocal. I do a lot more talking with the defense. Our communication was great this year which is the key to have a good defense.

I’ve probably improved the most physically at better net coverage from side to side and knowing when to come out to challenge an opposing player and when to hold my line (stay in the goal).

Who is your favorite player: Petr (cq) Cech. The goalie for Chelsea in the English Premier League. To me he’s the best keeper in the world.

How are the grades: I”ve got a 3.75 GPA. My best subjects are probably chemistry and math.

Any plans for playing college soccer: Not right now, but I’d love to play someplace. Right now my plans are to go to either Ohio State or Wright State and major in materials engineering.