For Jackson County Blue Devils soccer player Spencer Stafford, this season has been about adjustment, communication and steady improvement.
Now a senior, Stafford has spent years growing within the program, playing alongside many of his teammates since middle school. That familiarity has started to show on the field, especially as he settles into a newer role on the defense.
Stafford has been part of the Blue Devils’ system since his freshman year, building toward a leadership role during his final season. While the position may not always grab headlines, Stafford said it is one that demands discipline, awareness and trust, qualities he is continuing to develop.
Even from a defensive spot, Stafford still has goals of his own.
“I want to try to score a goal this season,” Stafford said. “I want to try to help my team get into regionals and win the first couple of game and try to get into the championship, if it’s possible.”
Stafford said he had to learn the game at a slower pace.
“I recommend trying to get into the sport as early as possible,” Stafford said. “It took me quite some time [to learn the game.] Around my second year, halfway through, I started to learn soccer at a decent level.”
Stafford said he has worked to expand his skill set, including becoming more comfortable using his left foot, something he admits he rarely relied on before this season. Along with that, Stafford said he is focused on sharpening his passing and overall decision-making.
Stafford said a big part of that growth has come from learning alongside teammates like Isaiah Thomas.
“He taught me a whole lot about what I need to do in certain situations and how I can improve my game.” Stafford said.
As the season progresses, Stafford’s focus remains on continuing to evolve, particularly in areas like acceleration, which he sees as key to becoming more effective on the outside.
For a player who once had to catch up to the speed of the game, Stafford is now helping set the tone for a Blue Devils team still finding its rhythm. And as communication improves and chemistry strengthens, Stafford said he is hoping that growth translates into a postseason push.
