Technical Sessions: David Horst

Chemistry Class

Technical Sessions #3

Old Dominion University’s David Horst recently returned home to Pine Grove, Pennsylvania after spending the last year finalizing his claim as one of college soccer’s top defenders. He was able to relax and visit with family and friends before refocusing on his upcoming task: the 2008 MLS Combine. Soccer City FC was able to speak to him prior to his departure.

“This break is the first one that I have had since last Christmas. Mentally, my first goal was to relax and calm my mind down because the season just ended. Then, I wanted to refocus and get ready for the combine. Physically, it is tough to do anything outside this time of year in central Pennsylvania. I haven’t been able to get too many touches on the ball but I have been getting my body into game shape. It has been going really well. I think I am physically and mentally ready for this combine. I have to go out and play my game the way I have been these last four years.”

Horst would have taken some time this summer to refocus had it not been for the Hampton Roads Piranhas. He was invited to play for them in the Premier Development League. The season ended with both team and individual success. Hampton Roads went 14-0-2 with ten of those games being shutouts. Piranha forward Andrew Wheeler summed it up best when he stated, “Our defense stole the show.” Fittingly, David Horst was awarded the 2007 PDL Defender of the Year. He recalled the experience.

“I want to thank our owner for bringing the team back. It was a great experience for me because I didn’t get that kind of competition when I came home in previous summers. It was huge for me to keep playing. Each and every time I went out there, I got better by playing. The Piranhas helped me become a better soccer player.”

After the summer, he returned to ODU for his senior season. Horst reflected upon his team’s 2007 season that eventually ended with a loss to Virgina Tech in the third round of the College Cup.

“We had a great year. It is sad that it had to end at Virginia Tech. Many people counted us out from the start, but we had amazing chemistry. It was the chemistry that carried us through most of the year.”

He certainly left his mark on the Old Dominion soccer program as well as the Colonial Athletic Association. He was named the CAA Defender of the Year in both 2006 and 2007. He was also instrumental in the team’s twelve shutouts this season. He spoke humbly of the accolades.

“The awards really are a testament to our coaches. Also, it was a blessing to have Yomby William playing alongside me. A great player will make another great player even better.”

Yomby William and David Horst’s collegiate journeys are not yet complete. They both will be attending the MLS Combine. Two great players will be competing again.