Ohio Northern University student-athletes Tanner Locke, Grant Israel, and Alex Shaffer may play different positions on the field, but they share a striking number of similarities.
All three laced up their first pair of cleats at age 4. All three are business majors in the Dicke College of Business Administration. All three are known for their work ethic and leadership.
And this season, all three serve as team captains, leading the nationally-ranked Polar Bears during the 50th anniversary of ONU men’s soccer.
We caught up with the captains to hear their thoughts on the game, the season, and what this milestone means to them.
Grant Israel
Major: Marketing
Minor: Finance
Hometown: Canton, Ohio
Position: Center Back
Why did you come to ONU to play soccer?
Because of the program’s strong tradition and historic success. Tanner Locke happens to be my former club teammate and close friend, and he spoke highly about his experience on the team and the program’s culture. Coming from someone I trusted, his recommendation made my decision to join ONU soccer an easy one.
What other factors influenced your decision to choose ONU?
The Dicke College of Business has AACSB accreditation and a strong reputation for developing future professionals, so I knew ONU would be the perfect fit both academically and athletically.
Why are you passionate about the game?
Soccer allows me to be creative and express myself in a free-flowing, continuous environment. You can spend countless hours designing plays, predicting outcomes, and drawing up X’s and O’s, but at the end of the day, soccer is unpredictable. It challenges you to adapt to the moment, think on your feet, and trust your instincts and your teammates.
What makes you successful as a player?
My discipline, work ethic, and communication skills. I’ve never been the fastest, strongest, or most skilled, but my ability to organize teammates, communicate positioning on the field, and push myself and those around me to improve, gives me an edge.
What does it mean to you to be part of the 50th anniversary of the sport at ONU?
Being connected to a tradition that’s bigger than myself, with such a strong and successful history, makes me proud. The very first team had just 13 players on the roster, today we have nearly 50. Over the years, 50 different teams have each helped to build a culture and program into what it is today.
Tanner Locke
Double Major: Marketing and Sport Management
Minor: Management
Hometown: Canton, Mich.
Position: Right Back
Why did you come to ONU to play soccer?
Because the team had a history of excellence in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and nationally. I was also looking for a university with an excellent business school, where I could develop a mentoring relationship with professors.
What other factors influenced your decision to choose ONU?
I built a special relationship with the ONU coaches. They came to a ton of my games and were really supportive during the recruitment process.
Why are you passionate about the game?
Soccer has been my favorite game ever since I was a little kid. I was just naturally good at it compared to other sports. It’s also fun to play and you develop a close bond with your teammates.
What makes you successful as a player?
My goal is to ensure I’ve done everything in my power to be prepared for every game and every scenario, and that preparation has propelled me to succeed at ONU.
What does it mean to you to be part of the 50th anniversary of the sport at ONU?
Our program has a long history of being one of the strongest teams in D3 and we’ve never let that level drop. Those early teams built a foundation of excellence, and our soccer program is known for student-athletes who are hard workers on and off the field. I would like to thank the players who came before me for getting this program off the ground and giving us brothers for life.
Alex Shaffer
Double major: Finance and Marketing
Hometown: Galena, Ohio
Position: Center midfielder
Why did you come to ONU to play soccer?
I love winning and I hate losing. ONU’s program has a rich history of excellence and a young, energetic coaching staff, so success on the field seemed inevitable. Also, the team plays a possession-oriented style that fits me as a player. And, the culture the team has created off the field feels like a brotherhood.
What other factors influenced your decision to choose ONU?
I have a twin brother I am really close to, Andrew Shaffer, who is a soccer captain at Bowling Green State University. Being close to him and getting to catch a few of his games every season was on my mind when I chose ONU. Also, the Dicke College of Business is a top-notch business school that helps you reach your professional goals. I received the Dicke Scholarship, which is a full tuition scholarship given to one incoming business student every year. This was such a blessing, and I am so grateful for the Dicke Family for all they’ve done for me the last three and half years.
Why are you passionate about the game?
Soccer fascinates me. People all over the world and from all different walks of life can bond over the game. It really earns its title “the beautiful game.” It involves tactics, physicality, athleticism, stamina, strategy, and teamwork—all which are equally important.
What makes you successful as a player?
I don’t settle for mediocrity. I am always driven to be better than I was the day before and this has a compounding effect on my teammates.
What does it mean to you to be part of the 50th anniversary of the sport at ONU?
This program’s legacy is giving student-athletes the opportunity to excel in an amazing environment with amazing people. I am so thankful and proud to be team captain during the 50th anniversary. The early teams set the tone for everything the program stands for. Our pillars—Trust, Focus, Toughness, Resilience—were formed by their hard work. Our locker room, new turf, and top-notch facilities have been earned through their good seasons and support. My goal is to follow their example and leave ONU men’s soccer a little better than I found it. This program has given me so much and prepared me so well for life, I hope I can give back in the future.