If you're looking for a winning goalkeeper to transform your program, Peter Van Euwen is your guy.
The Wildcats' talented junior goalkeeper owns a winning mentality and special skills. That made him a perfect fit for a prominent Big Ten school in the midst of a rebuild.
Peter Van Euwen has officially committed to play soccer for The Ohio State University.
"Growing up, I always wanted to go there," Van Euwen said. "I've always been a big Ohio State football fan. I've been down there to the campus a couple of times. I really like it. I've always been an Ohio State guy growing up in Cleveland."
Van Euwen proved to be the perfect player for Ohio State.
The Buckeyes are in the midst of rebuilding, following a 1-15-2 season in 2018. Guided by renowned head coach Brian Maisonneuve and assistant coach Matt Foldesy '12, the Buckeyes will be on the rise in the next couple of years.
According to the head coach of the Wildcats, Mike McLaughlin '85, Van Euwen will gel at OSU.
"It's really exciting for Peter. Ohio State has a new coaching staff, so great things will be happening very quickly there. It's an outstanding academic and soccer opportunity," McLaughlin said. "They will be a big-time program really soon. Peter has a very good chance to fight for playing time in the first couple of years. Peter works hard – he works hard in class and on the soccer field. The more you're around him on the field, the more you realize how he can change a game. It's a great opportunity."
Van Euwen has earned his shot with a remarkable career at Saint Ignatius thus far.
The Avon Lake native first stole the spotlight as a sophomore, splitting time with talented keeper Ryan Mark. Van Euwen tallied a 9-2-2 mark in 2017, recording 20 saves and 3 shutouts. In 13 games, Van Euwen allowed just 0.83 goals per game.
Van Euwen assumed sole control of the reins as a junior. An injury sidelined him for part of the year, but Van Euwen showed off his prowess in 18 starts. The talented keeper notched a 15-2-1 record, tallying 38 saves and 7 shutouts. Van Euwen surrendered just 12 goals in 18 games, just 0.67 goals per game. The Wildcats reached the State Semifinal thanks in part to his efforts.
McLaughlin and his coaches often marveled at Van Euwen's game-changing presence in net.
"We've had some very good goalkeepers. Peter has established himself, and we have a season to see where he'll end up," McLaughlin said. "He brings things to the game – he's extremely athletic, he's got good feet for a goalkeeper. He's comfortable with the ball at his feet. He has good ideas about the game and he has a winning mentality. He wants to work and be his best and help the team to be its best. There's a seriousness about Peter. He's one of the co-captains for the year and so the boys look up to him and have a lot of respect for everything he does."
Van Euwen will indeed serve as a co-captain for the 2019 season, playing a critical role for the Soccer Cats.
As a senior, Van Euwen will have a chance to put lessons about leadership and being a role model to work.
"The biggest things I've learned are team qualities. I've created a lot of relationships with guys on the team that will last forever," Van Euwen said. "I've learned and am still learning leadership qualities. Learning how to be a good teammate is the best thing."
Van Euwen is certainly admired and respected by his teammates.
"He's a wonderful young man," said McLaughlin. "All of his teammates love to be around him. He's got a personality that draws people towards him, and he's a real leader.
"Usually, goalkeepers are often the least fit," he continued. "Whenever we do team running, it's always the goalkeepers who we have to send Coach Crew to go to the back to stay with them. Peter stays at the front all of the time. He's an outstanding athlete and competitive young man."
Ohio State noticed these qualities in Van Euwen, along with outstanding ability on the pitch.
The Buckeyes' staff watched Van Euwen play a couple of games for Saint Ignatius and for his club team. As the coaches saw, Van Euwen can play.
Following the season, Van Euwen took a visit to the Columbus campus. He met with the coaching staff, drove around the campus, took a tour of the athletic facilities, and watched practice. He learned more about the academic offerings, especially biology. A smart student in the classroom with a 4.3 GPA, Van Euwen is thinking about pursuing a career in medicine.
A couple of weeks later, the Buckeyes called Van Euwen and extended an offer. It didn't take long for the lifelong OSU fan to accept the offer.
Having committed to play for one of the top schools in the country, Van Euwen is now ready to focus on his senior season. He has big goals.
"My number one goal is a state championship," Van Euwen said. "That's the biggest team goal, the biggest of them all. Just keep working hard and getting better. Play to the best of my ability and win a state championship. If we do that, hopefully we can win a national championship. The biggest thing is team success."
Before he embarks on his senior year, Van Euwen has a few people to thank.
"I want to thank my family, friends, and all of my coaches – Coach Mike, club coaches, and coaches I've had for my whole life, and of course my teammates," said Van Euwen. "I want to thank my dad especially. He helped with the recruiting process a lot in helping to narrow down the schools."