Jenison High School boys' soccer player Luke VanderVeen is this week's Meijer-97.9 WGRD Athlete of the Week.

VanderVeen's last-minute goal in Jenison's 1-0 win over Zeeland East last week is indicative of the type of competitor he is, Wildcats Coach Brian Selk said.

Luke VanderVeen consults with Jenison High School boys' soccer coach Brian Selk and a teammate. (Photo courtesy Scott VanderVeen)
Luke VanderVeen consults with Jenison High School boys' soccer coach Brian Selk and a teammate. (Photo courtesy Scott VanderVeen)
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"The Chix defenders had done their part all game to provide just enough pressure on him to foil his scoring efforts," Selk said. A Jenison "player had been fouled in the box and a penalty kick was awarded. Up steps our captain, 'Lukey V,' who, like all quality goal scorers, put aside the frustrations of missed attempts from earlier, calmly sent the goalkeeper diving the wrong way and won the game by decisively burying the ball into the opposite corner."

Through five games for a 2-2-2 squad, the junior midfielder has four goals and an assist for the Wildcats.

As "a known offensive threat, ... (he) gets constant attention from the opposition's defense," Selk said. "Luke finds himself battling for every scoring opportunity."

VanderVeen says he enjoys the scrum he faces each game out, particularly in the competitive O-K Conference White Division in which Jenison competes.

While he enjoys other sports, he has decided to focus playing soccer year-round, he said. VanderVeen also plays forward for the Grand Rapids-based Alliance Academy soccer club.

"My brother played. My dad played," said VanderVeen, who has been playing soccer since he was 9 years old.

A solid B student at Jenison High, VanderVeen is the third youngest of Scott and Valorie VanderVeen's eight children.

Congratulations, Luke, from Meijer and WGRD!

Jenison High School boys' soccer play Luke VanderVeen (No. 10 in white) is captain of his team and is an offensive stalwart for the Wildcats. (Photo courtesy Scott VanderVeen)
Jenison High School boys' soccer play Luke VanderVeen (No. 10 in white) is captain of his team and is an offensive stalwart for the Wildcats. (Photo courtesy Scott VanderVeen)
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