Circleville senior Luke Stout recently committed to continuing his academic and athletic career at Wittenberg University.
Along with being a two-time captain for the Tigers’ soccer team, Stout was twice named First-Team All-Mid-State League and was a first team selection on the inaugural All-Pickaway County team earlier this school year.
The Sporting Pumpkin reached out to Stout to learn a little more about how he came to decide on Wittenberg and learn a little more about him.
Question: Take us through the recruiting process you went through, what made Wittenberg the right fit for you?
Answer: My recruitment wasn’t traditional by any means. I didn’t know I wanted to play college soccer until my junior year. Coaches never contacted me unless they saw me play in person or at a camp. I was becoming worried and thought I was too late and I would have to just go try out for a team or even stop playing altogether. I then was scouted at a tournament my club team went to in Raleigh, North Carolina, where I was introduced to the coach. I visited Wittenberg and saw the quality of the college and the team and knew then and there it was a fit for me.
Question: What would you like to major in, and why is that appealing to you?
Answer: I am going to major in exercise science with a pre-professional track in physical therapy. I have been injured plenty of times in my life. Every single time I have recovered, it was because of the amazing therapists that helped my recovery. I want to be that person in somebody’s life to help them recover and be a happier person afterward.
Question: What has led to your success in soccer? What are your strengths as an athlete and what are a few areas you’ve had to work at the hardest to improve?
Answer: My faith. I gave my life to Jesus when I started my first-ever club season, and He has been by my side the entire time. He has paved my way. One of my strengths is my mentality. I grew up in a large family of athletes so being tough was a standard. I don’t dwell on mistakes, and I try as hard as possible to lift my teammates in any circumstance. I still try to work on adapting to the game speed. Soccer is a universal sport so it can be difficult to get up to speed when you play at these different levels. But I still put my head down and work for it.
Question: What are some memories from playing at Circleville that you will treasure for years to come?
Answer: My favorite memories would be the practices. Being able to train with my best friends was the best time. I’m fortunate enough to have earned the captain band my junior and senior year so leading was always fun. Pushing my teammates to be better set the culture of everyone uplifting each other. We have an amazing group of guys, and I am excited for what Coach Callihan has in store for this team.
Question: Is there a soccer player, or other athlete, that you look up to and try to emulate?
Answer: My favorite player to watch is Pedro Porro. He is an offensive-minded right-back who is a great defender and an amazing attacker. He is creative and deadly when it comes to playmaking. He plays for my favorite team, Tottenham Hotspurs.
Question: Favorite meal?
Answer: Some classic chicken and rice.
Question: Favorite place to eat out?
Answer: Dave’s Hot Chicken in Columbus. Best chicken place hands down.
Question: Favorite store to shop?
Answer: I spend a lot of money at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Question: Favorite musical group or genre?
Answer: My favorite group is Isla Vista Worship and my favorite genre is R&B.
Question: Favorite movie?
Answer: The Beckham Documentary
Question: Hobbies?
Answer: I play guitar and I enjoy exercising.
Question: Favorite holiday?
Answer: Christmas
Question: What is your most valuable possession?
Answer: I got my first ever captain band signed by the Columbus Crew’s captain, Darlington Nagbe
Question: Something that no one knows about you?
Answer: I used to be in Boy Scouts. I was in Troop 52 here in Circleville until I got injured pretty badly.
Question: What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on in your life?
Answer: In 2022, over the summer I went on a three-week vacation in Europe. I was able to go to the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium and do a tour.
Question: Favorite memory from the Circleville Pumpkin Show?
Answer: When The Ohio State University’s band came and played. I was standing near the information booth and was right next to the trumpets when they played their set.
