Matt Freese: World Cup American Goalie

Among our illustrious alumni Matt Freese stands among the very best in sports. I have attached a video of an interview that Matt did which contains life lessons for us all. I have a particular perspective on Matt as I worked closely with him for several years as he was elected by the Upper School Faculty and Students in the Upper School at the Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square to be a student spiritual leader. Students (Vestry) in that role plan chapel services with me. They are people who truly represent the EA community and are seen as student spiritual leaders of our school.

Matt didn’t say much about his desire to be a professional soccer player, but I was aware that he had attended several camps to be a goalie and watched him on the playing fields of EA. He had the ability on the student leadership group to share in our important discussions during meetings which always occurred during lunch time. Students who were part of this group figured out how they could eat and be on time for a meeting or brought their lunch with them. But it really was a sacrifice for them as they shaped the religious life of our school. They knew that they had an important role.

You don’t achieve greatness in anything if you are not willing to sacrifice for a greater cause and share in the important exchanges in the meetings. Matt was an idea guy who could translate his vision to the action of what occurred in chapel where he was also one of the leaders of services.

We did honor our armed services by having chapels that recognized 9/11. Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. As you will see in the video Matt is thrilled to be representing our country on one of the largest venues on the world stage. His grandfather’s military service to our country is also part of his patriotism.

He wants to be a role model to others as he has seen in Tim Howard, one of the greatest goalies of all time, as role model for him. Matt certainly was a role model at our school.

You will notice that he embodies gratitude for all the opportunities that he has had recognizing that gratitude is at the heart of religion and psychological health, just to have the opportunity to walk on a field is a blessing and Matt knew that. His attitude is that opportunity is not a burden as it is laden with a moment to rejoice.

It may take a village to raise a child, but Matt had several villages behind him including our school, and his teammates, but he gives the most credit to the village of his family. I know them all, super successful and possessing the best of humankind. His father was a scientist. His mother who is the embodiment of kindness and support of them all reserves the most accolades to her from Matt.

Be sure to note as you listen to his interview how he dissects the difference between a dream and ambition.

A dream is what you want at times imaginative and often a desire for something that you have idealized. But ambition is an action to achieve the destination and contains a work ethic that is concrete with the required action to get there.

You need both at the same time which Matt achieved.

Our school motto is Esse Quam Videri, “to be and not to seem to be.” Matt urges those who pursue a dream to be yourself, to be authentic.

As I watched the video that is attached I thought of the words of Robert Browning and the prophet, Isaiah, which could be guideposts for Matt’s reaching the World Cup and representing America…”Those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up like eagles: they shall run and not be weary; they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31).

“Ah, a man’s reach should exceed his grasp or what’s a heaven for” (Robert Browning)

In fact, Browning’s quotation could be the mantra for all soccer goalies.

Matt’s reach has exceeded his grasp to make brilliant saves. That is what he has done for his selection as a World Cup Goalie.

I cannot think of better descriptions of a World Cup Goalie, and that the above mentioned comments is what Matt knows.

Matt Freese Interview