Ryan Flesch: A Source of Excellence

Off the field, he holds over a 4.0 grade point average and will be attending the College of William and Mary in the fall. On the field, his resume holds the same weight. 

(OP) senior Ryan Flesch has played an influential role for his seasoned soccer team this year; he already has five goals and six assists. But this may not come as a surprise to some because Flesch was primed for success from an early age.

“My parents got me involved when I was around five," Flesch said. "The reason being that they wanted me involved in a physical activity, but it [soccer] soon became something more serious in middle school."

Flesch was a member of the Olympic Development Program during his middle school years, and continued to play in the system until early 2010.

He then entered high school, looking to play an integral part in Osbourn Park’s trophy-laden program.

“Being the only freshmen to make the varsity soccer team forced me to prove myself,” he said.

Flesch saw limited playing time in his early days at OP, but continued to train and learn from experienced upperclassmen.

He began starting more games early in his sophomore year, which helped him become someone who was going to be a big impact on the team in the years to come.

The experience paved the way for his most successful season yet—junior year, when he was named to first-team all-district, all-area, all-region, all-met, and second team all-state.

“It [being named to the Washington Post All-Met soccer team] was interesting because I was put side-by-side with people I recognize from club and competed against,” Flesch said.

Despite last year’s accolades, Flesch said he remains grounded and focused on team-oriented goals.

“I care more about regional play and advancing to the state tournament,” he said. “We have the talent and capability to reach that level; we just need to play with intensity."

Flesch attributes most of his success to coach Larry Nemerow.

“It is great to have a coach like Nemerow who not only tries to set the team on the same page, soccer-wise, but he also serves as a role model with great morals and values I can use later on in life,” Flesch said.

Flesch’s drive and continuous pursuit of excellence—on and off the field—is what makes him the