John Tucker Waller (soccer player)
John Tucker Waller (Born July 27, 1994) is a Liberian professional footballer who plays outside back for Atlantic City FC in the National Premier Soccer League. He is nicknamed "Kimani" an African word meaning "Strong and Powerful."
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | John Tucker Waller | ||
| Date of birth | July 20th 1994 | ||
| Place of birth | Monrovia, Liberia | ||
| Height | 5'11 (180 cm) | ||
| Playing position(s) | Right and Left Back | ||
| Club information | |||
Current team | Atlantic City FC | ||
| Number | 5 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Muskegon Sailor Soccer Club | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 3 | Muskegon Risers | 10 | (2) |
| 1 | Oakland County FC | 8 | (0) |
| 1 | Napa Valley 1839 FC | 4 | (0) |
| 1 | Atlantic City FC | ||
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only | |||
Early life[edit]
John Tucker Waller was born in Monrovia, Liberia. Where he learned the game of soccer at an early age. He began playing at the age of 8 with his neighborhood friends. He lived in Liberia before being adopted by Darin and Angela Waller at the age of 12. He met the Wallers at the US Embassy in Monrovia to which he would walk many miles from his home to seek help with his schooling. Waller was adopted in July 2006 and continued his athletic and academic career in Michigan. He attended Western Michigan Christian High School where he played 4 sports: soccer, football, basketball, and track and field. Waller went on to Michigan State University where he ran track and played football. In 2016, Waller left track and football behind to focus solely on soccer. He graduated from Michigan State University in May 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science.
Personal life[edit]
Aside from sports, Waller is a devout Christian. Waller was raised as a Christian and is oftentimes seen posting bible verses on social media such as Instagram and Twitter. Waller's favorite poem is "Live Your Life" by the Native American Chief Tecumseh. Waller also has his own charity foundation Called Summerplace FC. Summerplace FC creates opportunities for refugees’ children living in Lansing, Michigan as well as children living in Monrovia, Liberia.
College career[edit]
Waller grew up playing soccer in the streets of Monrovia. Not before long, he was recruited to play for a team in Paynesville, Liberia. When he was adopted in 2006, he went to a select-only trial with the Sailor Soccer Club. After a successful trial, he was selected to be a part of the team. Waller went on to Western Michigan Christian High School where he started as a freshman on the varsity soccer team. He played as a center forward scoring 18 goals during his freshman campaign. While at Western Michigan Christian High School, Waller also participated in basketball and track and field, receiving All-State honors in track and field. He was a "jack-of-all-trades" in high school.
Waller began his college soccer career at Muskegon Community College before going on to Michigan State University to run track and field and play football. In the winter of 2015, he decided to shift his focus solely on soccer.
Club career[edit]
Waller began his club career in 2016 after signing with the Muskegon Risers of the National Premier Soccer League. Waller played two seasons for the Risers. He scored 2 back to back goals within 7 minutes in a 2017 game. In 2018, Waller signed with Oakland County Football Club in the USL League 2. Waller played as a center forward at the beginning of the season before switching to outside back. Waller started the 2019 season with Detroit City Football Club before signing a professional contract with the Napa Valley 1839 Football Club to play in The Members Cup. In 2020, Waller trialed with Loudoun United Football Club of the USL Championship and competed with the team in pre-season games but was never signed. Waller went on to sign with New Amsterdam FC in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). In 2021, Waller made a trip to his native Liberia after 16 years. He donated food to many orphanages, as well as school supplies and soccer equipment to youth teams. Waller also renovated an old well that is now providing clean water to thousands in the capital of Monrovia. Waller runs an organization in Lansing, Michigan called "Summer Place FC". This organization creates opportunities for refugee children living in Lansing, Michigan as well as children in Liberia through the international game of soccer.
Style of play[edit]
Waller is athletic, strong, and a very quick outside back. He is capable of playing both at the right and the left back positions. Waller uses his speed and athleticism to make his mark on offense. His height, speed, quickness, and athleticism enable him to be an amazing 1v1 defender.
References[edit]
7. https://www.1ball1goal.org/deliveries
11. https://m.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1096898560502063&id=406543776204215
14. https://www.1ball1goal.org/deliveries
15. https://m.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=111593450261810&story_fbid=402427621178390
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