Some college students take the summer off to find themselves or spend time with family, but sophomore Alex Burton used the time to improve his skills by playing for the Kansas City Wizards junior developmental team.

“It was a great experience,” Burton said. “Just to get a chance to play against that high of caliber of players.”

Burton was supposed to just back up the starting goalkeeper during the summer. Then, before nationals, the starter blew out his knee and Burton was forced into a starting role which he immediately took advantage of.

Burton’s outstanding efforts as goalie did not go unnoticed. Following a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in the title game, the Lansing native received the Adidas Golden Glove Award, given out each year at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships to the best performing goalie there.

Burton said at the time it didn’t really sink in, especially since the defeat was so agonizing. He now realizes what the award means and just how great the team performed to get to the championship game.

“It’s awesome what we did,” Burton said.

Assistant coach Blake Reynolds said having Baker players participate in the summer leagues has many benefits.

“What it allows us to do is see an even higher level of soccer,” Reynolds said. “It pushes them to be better players.”

Reynolds added that the leagues allow the players to get a taste of the next level. The teams use the professional facilities and get training from some of the best coaches in the United States.

Burton said both he and his teammates sophomore Matt Griffin and freshman Spencer Nash, who also competed in the league, quickly adjusted to the higher level of play and really showed what they were made of.

“I felt like we all fit in,” Burton said. “We kind of showed everybody that it doesn’t matter where you go to school.”

Reynolds said Burton has shown definite improvement since his solid freshman performance a year ago and has displayed more confidence and maturity from the start this year.

“The big thing for Alex is that goalkeeper is a difficult position for a freshman,” Reynolds said.

Burton believes he gained a lot of great experiences during the summer and also feels he improved his confidence, decision-making and overall ability.

“I learned a lot about the game for sure this summer,” Burton said. “I think I’ve improved as a goalkeeper for sure.”

Reynolds said Burton has a chance to be considered the best goalkeeper in the conference by season’s end.

“In terms of goalkeepers, he’s probably in the top two in terms of athleticism. There’s no reason he can’t be first team all-conference this year.”

Sophomore Jimmy Sievers said Burton has a large impact on the Wildcat squad.

“Alex brings great leadership and knowledge on the field,” Sievers said. “He knows what’s going on. Alex is one of the top players as far as players go.”

Burton said he has post collegiate dreams of playing the game of soccer professionally.

“I’m going to play at the highest level I can,” he said. “I plan to play professionally, that’s my goal.”

Burton credits his mother for all the achievements he has made in soccer.

“She’s done just an insane amount of stuff,” Burton said. “I don’t remember one game she has missed.”

Sievers said he expects big things for both Burton and the Baker team this season.

“Not only has Alex improved, but we have a better supporting cast than last year,” Sievers said.