AC Flora’s Price finds success through modest mindset
COLUMBIA, S.C. (BVM) — When Jackson Price was named the Gatorade South Carolina Boys Soccer Player of the Year in June, he called it a representation of the community around him. Despite the physical, mental and skill advantages he holds over his opponents, he wanted to note himself as a byproduct of the AC Flora people. From coaches to teammates to opponents, Price is grateful for all who played a role.
“It speaks volumes to the people who have been around me and supporting me because I couldn’t have done it without them,” Price said. “When you have people who are pushing you to be better, it’s easy to keep going.”
It all began during his younger years as a youth player for the club team, SC United. The juvenile Price was focused on having fun, until coaches recognized that soccer could be his calling. At 7 years old he played with the 9-year-old team, and then for much of his club time following, remained with that group.
It took the observation of others to notice that Price belonged with boys much more advanced. He wasn’t your average soccer player.
“In the process of fluctuating between playing with older kids and having a relationship with the coaching staff, they told me you are good enough to do this and we want you to do this because it’ll be better for you in the future,” Price said.
The player he developed into was exactly what those club coaches envisioned for him, and then some. Through three years of prep soccer at AC Flora, the 5-foot-11 midfielder has scored 50 goals and assisted on 25 others. He has asserted himself as a priority on many college coaches’ recruiting lists, and he still has unfinished business.
As a soon-to-be senior, Price will hope to lead the Falcons past the quarterfinals, where they lost this past season. While they did face some adversity like their goalkeeper breaking his leg before the playoffs, no excuses were made. Price acknowledged the need to get better and the load he’ll have on his shoulders this coming year. But, he’ll be prepared thanks to previous teammates, another group of people who have helped form who he is today.
“I think leadership will become extremely important and being a captain as a junior and being able to learn from guys who were captains when I was a freshman will help,” Price said. “We want to continue to be a successful team program. It’s not just about me at all, we want to get better every year.”
His mentality when approaching the game of soccer should take care of that for him and his teammates. Because of all the people who poured their support into Price, his cup is now overflowing. He believes in himself to the utmost degree, and the rest of the Falcons should be able to feel the effects of that.
“The mentality in which I’ve been taught and raised around is to be the best version of myself,” Price said. “One big thing that allows me to play to the best of my ability at any moment is to believe in myself and motivate myself … I think it’s my mentality, knowing I’m good enough to accomplish whatever needs to be done.”
Now, because of his community, Price has achieved his wildest soccer dreams, and the one that was put on hold has a good chance to come to fruition: a state championship. He wants to reimburse the AC Flora family by winning a title. And, of course, there’s one last motivating factor that will have him pushing his hardest.
The tragic death of his close friend Bailey Pratt in a November car accident.
“Having that extra motivation in the back of mind, I know it’s bigger than myself, I really focus on that,” Price said. “I wear ‘LLBP’ on my wrist tape every game. I’m a big part of his family, I’m in contact with them weekly … I want to be a light for those that need one, using my platform to really set myself apart.”
That “LLBP” acronym stands for Long Live Bailey Pratt, which his family started, and Price is on a mission to make sure his legacy lives on. While he may be one of the best soccer players in the state of South Carolina, Price is more concerned about doing this for others, and he’s humble enough to credit those others for all of his success.
