Senior Adam Clem has been playing soccer since he was four years old after his parents enrolled him in youth soccer camps. “It was just the one sport that stuck with me,” he said.

Until he was around 11, Clem played the position of striker; however, he then transitioned to playing as goalkeeper, not only accepting the added pressure of the role but embracing it. “The stress almost makes me play better, and I actually like the feeling of it,” he said. 

Now, Clem participates in soccer year round, playing for both a club team and as a part of La Salle’s varsity boys soccer team, which he has been on since his sophomore year. Despite Clem already having a leadership-like role as the goalkeeper for the varsity team, he has also decided to take on the responsibility of being a team captain. 

For Clem, the soccer program at La Salle “definitely has a family feeling,” he said. He has found strong connections with his coaches and teammates, especially appreciating the general attitude of the team. 

“Everybody gives it their all and wants to be there,” he said. 

During both his sophomore and junior seasons, Clem has helped the varsity team reach the semi-finals. Despite an injury early on which prevented Clem from playing until the team’s recent game against Canby High School, he has high hopes for the upcoming season. 

Clem and his team share the goal to place first in their conference and to win state. He explained that they aim to “just continue to have a positive mindset throughout the team, through the ups and downs of the season.”

Clem’s biggest motivator is his own personal drive, which is always pushing him to play to the best of his ability. “Most of it comes from me and my want to play college soccer,” he said. Self improvement and progress are very important to Clem, as he is always looking for ways to better himself on the field, being open to all criticism. 

Prior to games, Clem and his teammates do a chant along with a prayer in the locker room. Individually, Clem focuses on mental preparation, doing things like listening to music and wrapping his wrist and fingers before going out on the field. “Even if they’re not super important things in the actual game, they help me be ready and locked in,” he said. 

The most memorable moment on La Salle’s soccer team for Clem was beating McKay High School last year, as they had just barely lost to them with five seconds left of the game the year before. 

“I think that it just showed a lot of maturity and mental strength to come back and win after such a hard loss the year before,” he said.

The biggest lesson Clem has learned during his time at La Salle as a varsity student-athlete is the importance of time management. He advocates for self discipline, and makes sure that even with his household responsibilities, sports, and social life, school comes first. 

For anyone interested in joining the La Salle soccer program, Clem expresses that patience and dedication are key for success, explaining how he played JV freshman year before moving up to varsity when he was a sophomore.

“You’re going to have to put work in, but the coaches are always there, and other players are with you so there’s nothing to worry about,” he said. 

Off the field, Clem enjoys playing guitar and singing, along with running his own woodworking business, selling charcuterie boards and carved silverware on his website. He also likes spending time with his friends and girlfriend. 

As a senior, Clem said he is looking forward to spending his final year in high school enjoying his time with friends and “taking in that whole experience and doing new things that I haven’t done before.”