Crown Villa, the downtown Kansas City-based club, is gearing up for its inaugural season in the brand new Select League, and the spotlight is on their new 20-year-old goalkeeper, Landon Hinkle. Hailing from Liberty, MO, Hinkle is set to make a mark with his unique goalkeeping style and a set of skills that he believes will contribute significantly to Crown Villa's success.
In an interview, Hinkle shed light on his strengths, emphasizing his deep knowledge of the game and his role as the coach's second eye on the field. His communication skills and ability to see things that others might miss make him a valuable asset to the team.
Describing his goalkeeping style as "Fun to Watch," Hinkle sets himself apart by bringing an aspect to the position that he believes many people haven't seen. His vocal and aggressive approach, coupled with unwavering support for his team, aims to make him a standout goalkeeper in the league.
Mentally preparing for the inaugural season, Hinkle shared that he has been working on strengthening the mental aspect of his game, understanding the importance of staying positive and avoiding self-doubt. Training sessions have been fruitful, with Hinkle making saves he wouldn't normally attempt, showcasing his commitment to continuous improvement.
When asked about his goalkeeping inspirations, Hinkle mentioned legends like Tim Howard and local hero Tim Melia, whose journey from a pool goalkeeper motivated him to pursue his dreams.
Building a strong connection with the team is crucial, and Hinkle approaches it by getting to know his defenders both on and off the pitch. He believes that understanding each other's playstyles fosters better on-field coordination.
Off the pitch, Hinkle is committed to contributing to team morale and unity with his motto,
"Team comes first."
His interests extend beyond soccer, as he loves music and runs a Sports Media Company in KC called MetroSports MoKan.
Kansas City's vibrant culture and diversity appeal to Hinkle, who enjoys exploring different districts and trying new things. Outside of soccer, he produces music and runs a sports media company, showcasing his multifaceted interests.
The decision to join Crown Villa for the Select League's inaugural season came about after seeing an ad on Instagram. Crown Villa's name and colors caught Hinkle's eye, leading him to become an integral part of the team.
Looking ahead to the season, Hinkle is excited about Crown Villa's debut in the Select League. Although he hasn't discussed goals and expectations with Manager Craig Michael yet, he looks forward to sharing his views and aspirations for the upcoming season. Ultimately, Hinkle aims to lead the league in clean sheets, win the league, and, with a twinkle in his eye, hopes to secure individual awards along with the league trophy.
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