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MIDFIELDER
HT: 5’8”
WT: 125
Born: 01.30.1988 in Marietta, Ohio
Hometown: McConnelsville, Ohio
Qualifying Condition: Cerebral Palsy
Classification: CP7

COACH HOFFMAN SAYS:
[Quote coming soon!]

Q & A with SETH

When did you first begin playing soccer? In kindergarten.

How did you join the U.S. Paralympic Team? I received a letter in the mail from Jeff Jones, a recruiter from Blaze Sports America. Then I talked to Dana, the team manager, and she arranged for me to go to California.

What is your most memorable moment with the team? On the second day of practice I got dehydrated and was hospitalized for three days. The trainers were great and Kyle (one of the trainers) went with me to the hospital and helped me a lot. Another memorable moment for me was when I scored two goals at practice.

Who was your first soccer coach? I don't remember my first, but one of my coaches in high school was Scott Mosebrook.

What do you feel is your strength as a player? My speed, my shot on goal with my left leg, having a positive attitude.

What do you feel is your weakness as a player? Decreased strength in my right leg, trapping the ball.

Which professional or international soccer player is your role model? I don't have one.

What have you learned about yourself from your time with the team? That I can travel and be away from home and get over my homesickness. It was a great experience to compete with others that face similar challenges.

What would you tell a young player to motivate them to play the game of soccer? Never tell yourself you can't do something. Always believe in yourself and be the best person you can be.

How has playing with the team positively affected your life? It has given me a great deal of confidence. I have been blessed to meet many different people from all over the United States. I am honored & proud to be a member of the U.S. Paralympic National Soccer Team pool of players.

Since the team is not a full-time job, what do you do full-time? I live with my parents and I work at a grocery store and movie theater. I help with many local sport teams at Morgan High School where I graduated. When given the opportunity, I do some preaching at area churches and youth groups.

What is your goal in life? What dreams do you have? What do you want to attain in life? My greatest goal in life is to live my life right so that one day I will live in Heaven. One of my dreams is that I hope one day I can play in a tournament game in another country. In my life I want to be a good person and role model for others.

If you had enough money to do whatever you wanted to the rest of your life, what would you spend your time doing? I would get lifetime tickets to all the Pittsburgh Steelers games. I would also travel the world and preach the gospel message to others. And of course play lots and lots of soccer.

Which person has been the most influential and motivational in your life? Mick Amicone. He is a good friend of mine and has taught me a lot about soccer. Also, I have to mention my Aunt Pam. She has been influential in helping me train to run races. We run races together and run together for fun too.

Who is(are) your role model(s) outside of soccer? My Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, my parents, my brother and my minister Vernon Eldridge.

Who was your favorite teacher in school and why? Chris Broyles because she helped me acheive many goals and become a better person.

What are some obstacles you've encountered in your life and how did you overcome them? I learned from an early age to never give up, keep trying. When you fall down, pick yourself up & go again.

Can you share a little bit about your family? Brothers, sisters? My father Mike is a registered nurse, my mom Jody is a banker, my brother Caleb attends Marietta College where he is studying Athletic Training with hopes of being a Physical Therapist. I also had an identical twin brother named Jonah who died at birth.

Of all the places you have traveled or lived, where is your favorite place? Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We have vacationed their a lot and I love the beauty of the mountains.

If you could turn back time and change one decision in your past, what would it be? I would not change anything. You learn from your mistakes and that tends to shape you into who you are. My life is great.

If we were casting the movie of your life, which actor would you pick to play you? Adam Sandler or Ben Stiller.

If you could have one superhero power, what would it be? None, I'm o.k. just being the way I am.

Do you play any musical instruments? Does blowing through a plastic trumpet that I use at the Columbus Crew Soccer games count?

If you had to choose only ten CDs to listen to for the next three years, what would they be? I like Christian, hip-hop, country and rap.

Are you artistic? Not for me!!

Who is your favorite artist, or favorite type of art? Do you have a favorite work of art? No I do not.

What would you tell someone so that they had a better understanding of your disability and what it means to you? I would tell them, yes I have Cerebral Palsy, but I don't let it get in my way. Just because the right side of my body is affected doesn't mean I can't accomplish things I set out to do. I may not do things the way you do, but the point is, I WILL get it done.

What is your favorite quotation? "I can do all things through him who gives me strength" - Phillipians 4:13

Of which accomplishments in your life (excluding soccer) are you most proud? Being able to stand up in front of people and preach. I completed a 1/2 marathon which is 13.1 miles. I have competed in several 5K races & have placed in several. Also, I have two awards in my name: The "Seth Dille Courage in Athletics Award" which is an award & monetary scholarship given away each spring to a person in a five county region in Ohio who has overcome obstacles. The track team at my high school renamed the Coaches Award to the "Seth Dille Team Award".