Carter Szymanski Makes College Commitment for Soccer

Carter Szymanski Tracking Down a Ball Against EGR, Committed to Great Lakes Christian for Soccer

Justin Scott, Sports Reporter || Published Online 3/25/2024, Appeared in 3/21 Ledger

As the threat of snow disappears from the weather forecast, it’s starting to dawn on Lowell High School seniors. Graduation is near, and college decisions are being made every day. One four-year soccer player recently made his decision, as Lowell senior Carter Szymanski committed to Great Lakes Christian College to continue his academic and athletic career.

Great Lakes Christian is a small Christian college in Lansing. For athletics, they offer men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, cross country and disc golf. They compete in the Midwest Region of Division II of the National Christian College Athletic Association. Schools in their division include nearby Grace Christian (Wyoming), Kuyper (Grand Rapids), along with other midwest Christian schools Emmaus Bible College, Maranatha Baptist, and Moody Bible.

It was that small school setting that made Szymanski choose the Crusaders soccer program. “Great Lakes being a small school really helped because I do better in smaller classes, and I got to hop in and experience a practice with the team and I loved the dynamic and chemistry of the team. They made me feel at home,” Carter told the Ledger.

The LHS senior who is looking to go into business, was planning to go into the workforce as a mechanic when Great Lakes reached out. Coach Cody Bayn is the new head coach at GLCC, after serving as an assistant coach at Jackson College.

“It was a surprise opportunity, the coach reached out to me and invited me for a tour and to practice with the team so I could get the whole experience, and it all worked out,” Szymanski added.

During his time at LHS, Carter was a four-year player for LHS, with two on varsity where he played a mixture of center back and right back on defense, but his preferred position is center back anchoring the defense. In one of the most challenging conferences in the state, Lowell finished third in their conference tournament last season.

“His tackling ability, positioning, aggression, and intensity will help him mesh right into our back line. Carter has been playing the game since he could walk, he enjoys being outdoors hunting and fishing and couldn't be happier to join the squad,” Great Lakes Soccer said in a statement on his signing.