Catching up with former Arizona Soccer star, David Schipper
In one of the less advertised and marketed sports at Arizona, we catch up with former Arizona and current New Zealand soccer star, David Schipper.
It’s one of the lesser known sports on campus, but nonetheless there has been some success from the Arizona club soccer team. Perhaps none more successful than former Wildcat, David Schipper.
Who? Well, let us introduce you!
Arizona Wildcats
A native of San Diego, CA, Schipper came to the University of Arizona in 2010 hoping to become a division one soccer player.
Always having lofty dreams and aspirations, Schipper wanted to one day play professionally, but just needed the path to get there.
Wanting to challenge himself, Schipper came to Tucson for that path! “I’ve always played at the highest level possible for my age growing up,” said David, “whether it was with club soccer, playing with the ODP team, playing on the DA academy league or training with the U17 USA national team”, that was always the goal for him! Plus, it’s like they always say, competition breeds success and that’s exactly what he wanted!
However, at first it was a matter of seeking a University that had a huge following for their sports teams, and onme that had fans worldwide. Additionally, David wanted to be at a school that has a rich tradition in winning and one that would ultimately help its student athletes in maximizing their potential on an off the field.
Well, it seems like he got all that he could ever bargain for and more!
While he did play ‘club ball’, Schipper’s experience playing here was incredibly beneficial. It gave him the opportunity to play at an extremely high level throughout his life, and gave him the opportunity to obtain his college degree in the process.
A standout player for the Cats from 2010-2014, Schipper has probably been one of the more successful soccer players to come from Arizona, eventually paving his way from college stardom, to the professional spotlight.
Despite playing for a few development teams during that time at the University as well, the goal for Schipper was to always finish school before truly turning his attention to professional soccer.
Finally he would get that chance following his graduation in 2014. Schipper would begin his pro career in 2014, trying his luck in one of Mexico’s Premier Leagues, the Ascenso MX, unfortunately, things wouldn’t go as planned, as he would be cut before ever making an appearance.
Still hungry to achieve his dream, Schipper would use that rejection as an invaluable learning experience, one that would motivate him to obtain that success.
Humbled but not beaten, he would return back to his home in San Diego, eventually signing with the Seattle Impact FC, a professional indoor soccer team.
Although excited for the challenge ahead, his dream was still to always to play professionally outdoors.
Finally, that opportunity came, when he signed a three-year deal with the York Region Shooters, a Canadian League soccer team in Toronto in 2015. This would then open the doors for Schipper to play across the World!
In between his first and second seasons in Canada, Schipper would be loaned out to play for a third division team in Goitiba, Brazil, playing for the Goitiba Esporte Clube. However, at the conclusion of his second season, he had the option to opt out of his contract, eventually exploring opportunities and securing several offers overseas from Club teams in Spain, Sweden and Latvia.
Schipper would then sign a one-year deal with Albatroz SC of the Latvian Second League, before finally ending up in New Zealand this past year, playing for Southern United FC.
Now he is set to begin his second season in FootballSouth Premier League. The journey continues for Schipper! Beyond that 2019-20 season, who knows!
Regardless of the challenge, Schipper is always ready, but having “played in six countries I’ve gotten so used to it that the only thing that takes time is adjusting to the style of play in each country” said David. Now that’s how you Bear Down!
He’s a bit of David’s highlights when we was playing in San Diego!
More. On Arizona Athletics. light
At Zona Zealots, we would like to wish continued favor for the former Wildcat, as he continues he professional soccer career! Bear Down, David and Bear Down, Arizona!