Xander chased growth, faced disappointment, found new purpose, and learned the biggest win is resilience—not the scoreboard.
You decide who will be named Youth Athlete of the Year to take home $25,000 and represent 3Brand in Sports Illustrated and on CBS
What is Youth Athlete of the Year?
Learn MoreI love how competitive soccer is and how it constantly challenges me to get better. I like learning new skills, seeing how quickly I can pick them up, and then being able to use them on the field. I also love meeting new people and making friends through soccer. It’s fun seeing the results of the work I put in and knowing I’m improving.
My dad inspires me the most. He has taught me to be resilient, keep going when things don’t go my way, and stay focused on what I want. On the field, I don’t really have one player I try to be like. For me, it’s more about competing against myself. I want to keep getting better, learn from my mistakes, and be a better player than I was yesterday.
One of my proudest moments was being recognized while playing at the Disney Cup and getting the opportunity to join BVB International. That experience opened another door for me: I was invited to attend a camp in Madrid, Spain, in March. I’m really excited about the opportunity, and right now I’m focused on training hard and preparing myself to make the most of it.
Vote for Xander to become the Youth Athlete of the Year while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation supporting the Why Not You Foundation.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
