By Jacob Heid

Sports Editor

After coming into the high school soccer scene as a defender, Alex Martin switched positions after volunteering to be a goalie during his sophomore season.

From there, Martin has used the last few years to develop into the goalkeeper he is today for the Falcons.

He has a 74-percent save percentage in 17 games played as of Sept. 27.

Here is more on the Amherst senior:

Do you have a nickname your friends or family call you?

“I’ve been called ‘The Flying Banana’ before in soccer because I am dressed all in yellow for games and fly through the air to make amazing saves. Besides that, I don’t really have another nickname that players/coaches call me.”

What led you to play goalkeeper? When did you start playing it?

“Leading up to my sophomore year, I was a defender. Sophomore year in high school, the team needed a goalie, and I stepped up to volunteer with no goalie experience and did outstanding. I had the instincts and decision-making to make a great goalkeeper, and I stuck with it. I guess what made me stick with being a goalkeeper the most was how unique the position is.”

What’s the mindset going into each game as a keeper?

“My mindset going into each game is mainly just to stay calm and not get too nervous. I know that I’ve got the skills to save shots almost anywhere on net, including the top and bottom corners. I know that I won’t be able to save every single shot that comes my way. I tell myself that even the professionals give up goals and sometimes have bad games. One of the things I’ve learned at one of the goalkeeper camps I have attended throughout the last two years was that every goalkeeper is going to have amazing games where they make beautiful saves and games where they struggle to save shots. It’s just part of the position and the beauty of it.”

Where would be your dream vacation?

“My dream vacation would be traveling to some other country in Europe/Asia to see how much different the culture is and explore their way of living. I love to learn about history and the different ways people around the world live. Whether that be the food they eat, their way of entertainment, the style of living, or how they live their day-to-day lives.”

What’s your favorite moment from Amherst soccer?

“My favorite moment from my soccer career happened in my first-ever game as a goalie. We were playing against River Valley at home, and I had to face a penalty kick. I made an amazing diving save on that penalty kick to keep the score 1-0.”

What are your plans for after high school?

“My plans after high school are to go to either Marian University or Lakeland University to get a bachelor’s degree in education to teach middle school. I love teaching that age group. I also hope while attending one of those schools to participate in their soccer program and continue my soccer career with them.”

What’s a dream purchase of yours?

“A dream purchase of mine would be to go to a World Series game to watch the Milwaukee Brewers try to win the World Series for the first time. That would be super cool, and it would be really fun to watch.”