Kicker signs with Statesmen

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Sean Kirshe never envisioned playing football.

A lifelong soccer player, The Out-of-Door Academy senior was content focusing all of his attention on his favorite sport.

But when ODA football coach Brett Timmons saw Kirshe kicking around a soccer ball two years ago, everything changed. Timmons asked Kirshe to attempt a few field goals. From that moment, Kirshe had a new pair of shoes to fill.

“I made all of them, and he said, ‘Congrats, you’re the new place kicker for ODA,’” Kirshe says.
During his senior season, Kirshe made six field goals, including one from 50 yards out, and 22 of 26 extra point attempts. He also had 10 touchbacks.

Now with his final high school football and soccer seasons behind him, Kirshe will spend the next few months preparing to play at the next level.

Kirshe recently signed a national letter of intent to play football for Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y.

“It feels fantastic to know that I’m going to a great college and playing football,” says Kirshe, who plans to study economics and international business. “I’m looking forward to playing college football, as well as getting a great education to set up my future.”

Kirshe also looked at the University of Colorado Boulder; the University of St. Thomas; Auburn; The Citadel; the University of Mount Union; and High Point University. Ultimately, he chose Hobart College for its campus, football program and facilities and internship opportunities.

Kirshe will now focus on perfecting his punting and field-goal accuracy in preparation for playing for the Statesmen in the Liberty League.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].