Midfielder Eli Bise sees the game a little differently than most.
The Charles Page High School varsity soccer player has grown up with the sport, and he said that long history with many of his Sandites teammates gives them a unique edge. “I love that the majority of my teammates have played West Side soccer throughout the years, so we’re able to strategize more complexly,” Bise said.
Bise, a central attacking midfielder this season, said he relishes the responsibility that comes with directing play from the middle of the field. “This year I’m currently playing CAM, which is my preferred position that allows me to see the field as a whole and envision the plays for my team,” he said. That vision, he added, has become the defining piece of his game. “My strength has always been breaking lines and seeing the next layer of passing lanes,” Bise said.
Soccer also runs deep in his family. Bise said his two older brothers, who have “played soccer their whole lives,” set the standard he strives to meet. “They have always been an inspiration and role model for me,” he said. Representing Charles Page adds another family layer. “Honestly, Charles Page has a special meaning to me because it is my father’s mom and all my family members have been graduates of CPHS,” Bise said.
In the classroom, Bise has spent all four years in the school’s biomed program, taught primarily by Mr. Watkins. “It has been my favorite subject because we work on so many real-life situations and issues in the current medical field,” he said. Away from school and the pitch, he enjoys spending time with friends and traveling.
Bise credits sports with shaping his character as much as his skills. “Discipline and integrity. Winning and losing together as a team teaches you that hard work and cooperation are key elements throughout life,” he said. He stays active with West Side Alliance soccer, indoor leagues at Soccer City and futsal, and is focused on getting stronger. “I’m currently working on physicality and strength training,” Bise said.
