NEW LONDON, N.H. — With the numbers Lucas Boetsch posted as the goalkeeper this season for the Colby Sawyer College NCAA Division III men’s soccer team one would assume Boetsch is a veteran goalkeeper likely nearing the end of his collegiate eligibility. 

Instead, Boetsch is just beginning his collegiate athletic career and posted remarkable numbers on the pitch during his freshman campaign in New London, New Hampshire. 

The four-year letter winner at Camden Hills Regional High School recorded 52 saves and allowed only a dozen goals in his nine appearances for the Colby Sawyer Chargers.

Appearing on the collegiate pitch for just shy of 846 minutes this season, the Chargers boasted a 6-2-1 record with Boetsch guarding the net. 

As a member of the school’s soccer program, Boetsch hopes to “become a leader of the team and work my hardest to become the best goalkeeper I am capable of [being].” 

Boetsch stated he was drawn to the New Hampshire college since his high school goalkeeper coach is a graduate of the college and held the institution and soccer program in high regard, thus prompting him to research what the school offered. 

“After I went for a visit, met with the coach and team, and watched a few games, I knew that it was the school for me,” said Boetsch.

Soccer has been an influential aspect of Boetsch’s life, he says, since the age of three or four. 

“I think it was when I was eight and I started playing Pen Bay soccer with Dwight Pitcairn, that I started to get really into it,” he recalled. “I can remember being reminded daily by my parents to not kick soccer balls around in the house. I loved soccer because it was exciting, challenging, and when I was playing I could clear my mind and just have fun.”

For those interested in playing collegiate soccer, Boetsch advises student-athletes to pursue those dreams wholeheartedly. 

“If you love the sport enough, you should continue at the collegiate level because it opens up a whole new realm of experiences and you might regret it if you don’t,” he stated. 

Though yet to declare a major, Boetsch is taking classes in a wide array of subject areas, though he is leaning towards potentially majoring in child development. 

“While soccer is a very important aspect of my college experience, schoolwork comes first,” he stated. “My goal [in the classroom] is to expand my horizons and figure out what I want to do with my life come graduation. College is a privilege so I plan on taking advantage of this opportunity.” 

Boetsch, who hopes to travel to New Zealand one day, noted he remains motivated to perform well academically and athletically by his family. 

“They push me to be the best person I can be in the world and for that I can’t thank them enough,” he said.

When in the Midcoast, Boetsch enjoys boating, swimming, fishing, camping, skiing — “basically anything outdoors.” 

Though the mixture of academics and soccer does not allow much room for downtime in college, Boetsch says now that the season is complete, he looks forward to spending time with friends and “creating new relationship with people on campus.” 

Boetsch prides himself on being a reliable person and believes this is among his great accomplishments, thus far, in life. 

“It is important to me to be a good person and someone that my friends and family can count on to be there for them and help them out when they need it,” he remarked. “I think that is something that I am most proud of.”

Reach George Harvey and the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.