Will Perkins: The Elder Statesman for MSU Soccer

Fifth-year defender Will Perkins has seen the highs and lows of Michigan State men’s soccer over his past four-plus years.

 

Perkins was a freshman on the 2018 squad, a season which took the soccer program to the next level, as the Spartans appeared in the NCAA College Cup Semifinals for the first time since 1968.  

He was also with the team throughout the past couple rebuilding seasons, as well as the seasons affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, all the way to becoming a captain for both 2021 and 2022. 

Perkins is now one of two fifth year players on the MSU squad, with the other being graduate student midfielder Jack Beck. Perkins said there were multiple reasons behind his decision to come back for his fifth season, with getting the opportunity to have one last season with Beck being a part of this decision. 

“I didn’t really think I gave everything that I needed to in my last season,” said Perkins. “I knew that my buddy Jack was coming back too, but I didn’t really have any looks from as many professional teams as I wanted to either, so I decided it was better to stay, continue my education and get my degree and just play one more season.”

When it comes to his leadership style as captain of the team, Perkins described himself as vocal, making an environment to push for improvement.

“It’s just to be vocal and give the guys something to lean on when stuff goes wrong,” Perkins said. “Also to answer questions when they don’t know something or how to do something. Just being the ‘eldery’ figure, as well as giving them a little stern side when they need a little kick as well.”

This style of leadership, and his impact on the squad is something that has been passed down to the future of MSU soccer. Sophomore defender Josh Adam discussed the benefits of having a strong veteran leader on the team like Perkins.

“He steps onto the field, and he’s got a great mentality,” said Adam. “He’s always looking to push people to get better, and personally what I take away is he’s always wanting to be better.”

Adam said Perkins brings him inspiration Perkins to achieve his goal of playing professional soccer.

 “I know he wants to go pro, and that’s what I’m looking to do as well,” said Adam. “I’m trying to use him as my role model.”

There were challenges Perkins navigated through during his time at MSU. He was injured his sophomore…