B. J. Gottschlich started his soccer career at UW-Platteville as center midfielder and has started in 18 of the 20 games he has played in.

Gottschlich’s position was switched to forward, under the advice of Coach Enzo Fuschino, after arriving at UW-P. Gottschlich never complained about the switch, as he enjoys being the player in charge of the team’s scoring.

“[Gottschlich] is a very talented young man,” said Fuschino. “He possesses a natural ability to make things happen on the field and make them look easy. He’s one of the top forwards in the region, where he has been a thorn in every defense’s side.”

Gottschlich’s father introduced him to soccer when he was 3 years old. His father, who personally coached Gottschlich until he was 13, played soccer his whole life.

Gottschlich’s brother, Kyle, also participates in men’s soccer at UW-P. Their father never misses a game and provides constructive criticism for his sons.

When Gottschlich is not on the field, he is most likely spending time with friends or playing with his yellow lab, Oakley. When the snow starts to fly, he also enjoys snowboarding, a hobby he has been interested in since middle school.

Gottschlich is working toward a degree in business construction management with a business minor. He hopes to own his own carpentry business after graduating college. Gottschlich would also love to one day coach his own team.

“When I play, I don’t think of anything else, whatever stresses I have at the time just disappear and I can have fun playing the game,” Gottschlich said. “It’s something I have a lot of passion for. Nothing will stop me from playing.”