LAHS senior Aidan Semelsberger is training with New Mexico United in Albuquerque. Courtesy photo
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos High School athlete Aidan Semelsberger has had a highly productive year despite the global pandemic.
He was selected as a 2019-2020 National High School All-American and a regional All-Star representing the West region (Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, and South Dakota.) He was scheduled to represent the West Region All-Stars in St. Louis, Mo., May 29, however he declined to attend.
The two-time All-State soccer player also has committed to the University of Denver for soccer, which just happens to be the sixth ranked recruiting class in the entire nation.
To top off those achievements, Semelsberger also entered the New Mexico United’s training program where he trains three times a week with United and two days a week with the rest of the Academy squad. New Mexico United Academy plays in the USL Championship league, just one rung beneath Major League Soccer. This team will compete nationally against Academy teams affiliated with other USL franchises.
New Mexico United First Assistant Coach and Director of High Performance Youth Programing Zach Prince described what it has been like having Semelsberger the training program.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Aidan over the past few years. He started out by being identified in our High Performance Program and then was invited into our Academy. After a successful time with the Academy, he was invited into First Team training and signed a USL Academy contract,” Coach Prince said. “Aidan was the first player in our club to be offered this contract and he has taken full advantage of it. Over the past six weeks, we have seen him grow tremendously in our environment. As much as he has excelled on the field, he has met the same standard off the field. Aidan is a person who exemplifies our ethos at New Mexico United. I look forward to working with him throughout the rest of the season and beyond.”
Semelsberger spoke about his training with NM United.
“I think training with the New Mexico United first team is a great opportunity for me to take my game to the next level by training with current National team players from other countries and former MLS players,” Semelsberger said. “There is no better environment to put yourself in than that of a professional club. I am looking forward to see what opportunities will come out of it.”
During the two years Semelsberger played on the Hilltoppers Soccer Team he scored 39 goals with 48 assists.
Hilltopper Coach Ron Blue described Semelsberger as “a joy to coach” and said the “sky’s the limit” for the talented soccer player.
“Aidan is very skilled and makes everyone around him better,” Coach Ron Blue said. “His character and the kind of person he is make him and all-around great kid with a bright future ahead of him at both the college and professional levels.”
Los Alamos Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kurt Steinhaus shared his congratulations for Semelsberger’s achievements.
“This is really wonderful … we are very proud of Aidan and all he has accomplished,” Dr. Steinhaus said. “We congratulate him and wish him the very best in the wonderful career he has ahead of him.”
Others who coached Semelsberger over the years shared similar praise for him in terms of his ability as an athlete as well as his character off the field.
Virginia Rush Director of Coaching Chris Panayiotou coached Semelsberger on the U13-14 Rush Select team that traveled to Italy.
“Aidan’s attitude and enthusiasm were infectious, and he always had a smile on his face on and off the field. Aidan would get the best out of his teammates by leading example, he is hard working, tenacious and driven,” Coach Panayiotou said. “Aidan’s pursuit of excellence was relentless on and off the pitch. I recall a game in Italy vs Juventus when Aidan was up against a player twice his size, Aidan was relentless in closing that player down and making sure the opponent knew who we were and who we represented. Every time Aidan came and played for Rush Select, he left the jersey in a better place. He was a great representative of New Mexico Rush, his family, and the extended Rush family. I am excited for Aidan and the steps he will take next in his journey; I was happy to be a part of his journey but even happier that he was a part of mine.”
Albuquerque Youth Coach Johnny Moya spoke about the four years he coached Semelsberger starting when the soccer standout was just 10 years old.
“Aidan is not only one of the best players I have ever coached in 24 years, but easily one of the most humble human beings I’ve ever met. Aidan’s an exceptional soccer player but an even greater human being,” Moya said. “He’s an amazing kid and Los Alamos should be proud to have a person like Aidan in the community.”
In addition to coaching, Moya also serves as a Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputy.
“Aidan’s a great soccer player but I won’t be at all surprised if becomes president of the United States one day,” Moya said. “He’s humble, hardworking, and generous and I’m better for knowing him.”
Another of Semelsberger’s coaches is Rio Rapids ECNL Coach Cole Borgeson.
“It was a privilege coaching Aidan on the Rio Rapids 03 boys. Aidan significantly impacted our team’s play through his work rate, game intelligence and technical ability,” Coach Borgeson said. “He influenced how our team played in both the attacking and defending phases of the game. I also enjoyed my time with Aidan off the pitch. He is a thoughtful, caring, and friendly person. The sky is the limit for him.”
What does Semelsberger have in mind going forward?
“To work as hard as I can to see where my soccer career takes me,” he said. “But as my dad always told me, plan B eventually becomes plan A, which is why I am committed to getting my accounting degree from DU.”
