Sports Locker • January/February 2025 • Benjamin Conrad

On a crisp fall evening, as the lights shine brightly over the soccer pitch at Capital City High School, you’ll likely find Benjamin Conrad doing what he does best—leading his team with unmatched energy and precision as the starting striker. A four-year starter and captain for two, Ben has left his cleat marks on the field and in the hearts of his teammates. “Being a part of a team and building lifelong friendships is what brings me the most joy in soccer.”

Ben’s journey to becoming Capital City’s all-time single- season and single-game goal-scoring record holder wasn’t a straightforward one. Growing up in a family of accomplished runners, including his dad, John, who ran in college, and siblings, Bailey (25) and Blake (23), who both excelled in high school track and cross country, Ben was expected to follow suit. And for a while, he did. “I was that kid waking up on Thanksgiving morning to run a 5k.” But when high school rolled around, Ben chose soccer, carving a path distinctly his own. “It was a tough decision, but there was something about soccer—the team dynamic, the energy—that stuck with me.”

His parents, John and Susan, couldn’t be prouder of the choice Ben made. John reflects on Ben’s adaptability, saying, “He was a four-year starter, playing a different position each year based on what the team needed. That’s just the kind of player and leader he is.” Susan adds, “Watching Ben these past four years has been a joy. He’s a fierce competitor, but he’s also the funniest kid I know. Our dinner conversations won’t be the same next year.”

Ben credits much of his success to the multisport background his parents encouraged. “Playing everything from wrestling to basketball helped me discover what I was passionate about while making me a better athlete overall.” That diverse foundation paid off, as Ben racked up accolades, including All-Conference, All-District, and All-Region honors, and played a pivotal role in thrilling moments like the district semifinal win over cross-town rival Jefferson City High during his freshman year. “The packed crowd, the energy—it’s some thing I’ll never forget.”

But Ben’s story isn’t just about goals and trophies. It’s about the lessons learned along the way. He speaks candidly about the mental challenges of high-level competition. “It can be stressful not living up to my expectations, but I’ve learned to take it one day at a time. Getting 1% better every day is progress.” His Christian faith also grounds him, offering a perspective that extends beyond the scoreboard. “Soccer is one of the many platforms where I can shine my light and lead by example.”

Leadership has been a hallmark of Ben’s high school career. As captain, he sees himself as a mentor to younger players, setting the tone for what it means to balance fun with focus. “I want to leave a legacy of high expecta-tions for the soccer program at Capital City.” That desire to build something lasting is mirrored in his off-field pursuits, from his involvement in student council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes to his commitment to academics as an A-Honor Roll student.

Looking ahead, Ben plans to study finance at either University of Arkansas or University of Missouri, carrying with him the values instilled by sports and his family. “My parents always said, ‘Student comes before athlete,’ and that’s stuck with me.” Those words, coupled with the grit he’s honed on the soccer field, ensure he’s prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.

As his high school career winds down, Ben reflects on the moments and people who have shaped him. “It’s the brotherhood, the wins, and even the losses that I’ll carry with me.” His journey might not have followed the family running tradition, but he’s sprinting into his future with confidence and purpose. And while Ben has swapped running shoes for cleats, he’s proven that sometimes breaking from tradition leads to the most exciting goals—both on and off the field.