It’s not often you go Division I for your performance in a high school side gig, but NDSU’s current placekicker Jake Reinholz did.
At Fargo Shanley, Reinholz was known more for his performance on the pitch than the gridiron. As a soccer player, Reinholz was a four-year starter and a two-time all-conference and all-state first-team selection. In his senior season, he tied the unofficial state single-season record for goals, netting 43 in his final campaign. His 78 career high school goals put him one shy of tying the state record for goals in a career.
However, that’s not to say Reinholz didn’t make an impact on the football team. During his prep career, he was reliable and netted a field goal of 41 yards in the process. The NDSU coaches took notice and Reinholz was faced with the tough decision of choosing between soccer and football for his collegiate career.
Reinholz eventually chose the Bison but he also had serious offers to play soccer at a number of quality Division II schools in Colorado and Missouri. However, he says he is happy with his decision.
Q&A
At what age did you start playing football?
I started playing my sophomore year of high school. We had an older kid on our soccer team that kicked for the football team and I thought I’d just give it a try. It ended up working out.
When did you start taking it seriously as a path forward in athletics?
I would say I always took it seriously, but soccer was definitely my main sport. Once it came time to make a decision after high school, it just seemed like this was the better option.
Was there ever any consideration of doing something other than coming to NDSU to kick? Be it playing soccer or what have you?
Yeah, I had a couple opportunities to play soccer at some Division II schools in Colorado and stuff like that, but this allowed me the chance to stay close to home and my support group which is really important to me.
What are the added benefits to staying in your hometown as a student-athlete?
I think just being close to family and the rest of that support group.
