How did you reach success? Matt Freeze has steadily climbed through the ranks of college soccer and professional leagues, putting in the same energy a young boy would use to jump into bed. “I constantly remind myself,” Freeze shared with NBC News, “that I’m always a student of the game.”
Being a dedicated learner runs in Matt’s family. His paternal grandparents, Ernst and Elizabeth Freese, were prominent German scientists who immigrated to the United States after World War II, where they contributed to the National Institutes of Health. Ernst gained fame as a molecular biologist focused on DNA mutations, chemical-cancer relationships, and the origins of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
“He uncovered the mechanisms of genetic mutations,” noted Katherine Freese, their daughter and Matt’s aunt. “This knowledge is fundamental to understanding evolution.”
Katherine also chose the path of science. She is an esteemed astrophysicist at the University of Texas, specializing in dark matter, and she seeks to answer pivotal questions such as: “How did the early universe begin?” and “What constitutes the universe?”
Matt’s father, Dr. Andrew Freeze, was a distinguished neurosurgeon who completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University. He later attended medical school and obtained a Ph.D. in neurobiology from MIT. Renowned for pioneering work in gene therapy, he sadly passed away in 2021 at the age of 61 from kidney failure.
The Freeze family boasts a large number of accomplished scholars, each with impressive degrees and achievements. “It feels like a family tradition,” Katherine remarked.
Consider Matt’s surprise when a high school student expressed his ambition to become a professional soccer player. Andrew, less familiar with the sports world, worried his son could get carried away. “It was a bit foreign to him,” Matt recalled.
Other relatives shared similar concerns. “I remember my uncle saying, ‘Poor Matt is destined to sit on the bench for life.’ My uncle is a biologist,” Catherine recounted. “Oh, that’ll never work!”
Ultimately, Matt and his father found common ground. Matt enrolled at Harvard University to study economics while also joining the football team. He played for two seasons before signing with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union in 2018. Later, during the pandemic, Harvard offered online classes, enabling Matt to complete his degree in 2022, although Andrew never got to witness his graduation.
“He’s obviously here in spirit,” Katherine stated. “Matt has outshined all expectations.”
Matt applied his academic insights to his sport. During his time at university, he undertook a comprehensive research project on penalty kicks. As he advanced in soccer, it became evident that his greatest asset as a goalkeeper lay in his mentality and the scientific approach he utilized.
“Many mistakenly think a goalkeeper’s role is solely about stopping shots,” Freese explained. “Our true objective is to prevent goals through aggression, positioning, effective communication, and a deep understanding of the game.”
Goalkeepers constantly analyze the field to identify threats and adjust their positioning to mitigate risks. “Much of goaltending involves maximizing the area of the goal that you can effectively cover,” Freese elaborated.
Matt’s problem-solving skills, inherited from his father, greatly contribute to his success. “He possesses a logical, analytical mind,” says Katherine. “It’s a unique perspective that allows him to connect dots others might overlook.”
What does that insight mean? “In mathematics and physics, creativity is essential. Equations exist, but you cannot rely on them blindly. You must determine the problem you’re aiming to solve. You need to creatively assess, ‘What if we combine A and B? What results can we achieve?’ Our skill lies in assembling these pieces in innovative ways that might not have been considered before.”
Matt believes that despite a goalkeeper’s integral role during a game, the position is often judged by just a few key plays. “Typically, you might only have two or three critical moments per match, requiring complete focus and 100% explosiveness,” he emphasized.
To prepare for these pivotal moments, Freeze follows a structured routine. He diligently watches game footage and analyzes opponents’ tendencies, while also limiting his cellphone usage, avoiding social media, and minimizing technology reliance. His diet consists primarily of chicken, vegetables, and carbohydrates during the season. Additionally, he practices meditation to stay connected to his physical and mental well-being, prioritizing morning sunlight exposure.
Matt’s physical attributes also set him apart from other goalkeepers. As noted by his family, his maternal grandfather, Jack Geary, was an Air Force pilot and professional football player. Matt proudly wears the number 49 for New York City FC as a tribute to Geary. “I possess natural athletic ability,” Freese acknowledged. “But it’s crucial to let it flourish. To achieve that, you need to find your flow and remain adaptable in making saves.”
Source: www.nbcnews.com