High School Boys Soccer

Tompkins’ Robisch verbals to Navy

By DENNIS SILVA II, Times Sports Editor
Posted 3/18/20

Bryce Robisch has been playing soccer ever since he could remember.

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High School Boys Soccer

Tompkins’ Robisch verbals to Navy

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Bryce Robisch has been playing soccer ever since he could remember.

Born in France, the sport was a constant in what was a nomadic childhood for the Tompkins junior defender.

“I started playing while my dad was still playing basketball, so soccer was just in my blood from the start,” Robisch said. “I moved to Australia and Oman and, other than rugby, soccer was the only thing I could do. I would come from school every day and go straight to the park. My younger years revolved around the sport.”

Robisch and his family moved to Katy when he was in the fifth grade. It wasn’t until he was in eighth grade that he knew about college soccer.

“When I found out about it, I knew I could play and have my education paid for at the Division I level,” Robisch said.

That became a reality on Wednesday, March 18, when the 6-foot-5, 190-pounder verbally committed to play at the United States Naval Academy. So far this season, Robisch has seven goals and five assists through 10 games for the Falcons.

Robisch chose the Navy over schools like SMU, Notre Dame and Princeton. He also received a significant amount of attention from California schools.

During an uncertain time in the country because of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, Robisch was able to find a semblance of future stability.

“Coronavirus had a minor impact, with just the uncertainty of being able to play again in the foreseeable future, but really just after my visit, I was set on the decision to commit around this time,” Robisch said. “It’s a relief that I can call it over and find a home.”

Robisch talked with The Katy Times about his decision and more.

Q: What was it about the Navy that made it the right choice for you?

A: I really liked the head coach (Tim O’Donohue) and assistant, and the amount of talent coming in from top teams all across the country really made me think we could be a top team. Also, coming out of the academy, I’ll be set up because of how good the school is, and I’m allowed to go pro with the new law passed by (president Donald Trump). (Editor’s note: In June, Trump signed a presidential memorandum ordering the Pentagon to establish a policy allowing athletes attending military academies to play professionally immediately after graduating).

Q: What did Navy coaches say they had in mind for you? How did they say they could see you developing for them?

A: The Navy coaches needed a center back because both their starters will be graduated when I get there, so I was their top recruit in the 2021 class because of how crucially they needed someone in my position. The head coach is a defensive specialist, so I really think he can develop me to be a top player in the country.

Q: Obviously this high school soccer season has been interrupted with precautions for COVID-19. What are your thoughts on the state of things and the possibility that the UIL could potentially cancel the rest of the spring sports season?

A: Playoffs are, by far, the best part of the season, so it kind of sucks to play a whole year and not have the reward of playing the top teams in the state, but at this point it’s beyond our control. It’s not about the sports at this point, it’s more about the safety of all.

Q: How have you been using this time/break? How have you been trying to stay in shape and sustaining a rhythm so that you’ll be ready if/when the season is continued?

A: I actually just got back from Scotland and playing with the professional team Hearts of Midlothian in the Scottish first division, but I had to come back early because of the virus. The past couple of days have been rest before I get back into working on my game and gaining strength to be ready for going back to play in Scotland over the summer.

Tompkins High School, Falcons, United States Naval Academy, Bryce Robisch, Katy ISD, college soccer, Texas high school boys soccer