Being pulled up to varsity can be a big dream for many players. For sophomore Eli Gratz, this dream has become a reality.

After senior varsity goalie Blake Webber was injured during an away game at Louisburg, Gratz got the opportunity to play a varsity position. He has played in four and a half varsity games so far this season.

“[Varsity is] very exciting and competitive. JV games are so slow, [while] the varsity games are much more fast paced and a lot more fun,” Gratz said.

According to his teammates, Gratz has been doing well at filling the spot.

 “I think Eli has been playing great. He came in a very vital time during the Louisburg game and helped us come out on top with a league win, taking down the only undefeated team in our league,” fellow varsity teammate Adam Lee said.

Time on the field isn’t the only part Gratz enjoys.

“[The best part] is playing with all of these incredible people. It’s more like a family than a team, and I love these guys to death,” Gratz.

When he is not participating in high school soccer, Gratz is participating in club soccer.

“I play for Kansas Rush Academy 02, and I also play for Kansas ODP, which is the Olympic Development Program for Division 1,” Gratz said.

As well as devoting a significant amount of time to soccer, Gratz also participates in the De Soto boys’ swim team as a diver and band as a percussionist.

His heavy participation in and outside the halls of DHS shows his dedication and involvement.