Hi. My name is Jimmy Conrad and I'm a defender for the San Jose Earthquakes. More specifically, I'm a marking back. For those of you who are unsure of what a marking back is, basically I cover the other team's best forward and shut him down. This is what I do now and I do it to the best of my abilities. Abilities that come from within me.

As I was growing up there were many things that I was good at, but nothing intrigued me more than soccer. At first I was pretty good, I had a natural ability. As I got older, all of the players around me were getting bigger, stronger and smarter. I knew that if I wanted to be a part of their team or compete against them, then I would have to be just as fast, just as strong, and just as smart.

Throughout my youth career, I had good coaches and bad coaches. People who told me that I was good and people who would say that I was bad. Once I got into high school, I made the decision that I wanted to play soccer in college. I focused on that goal. I didn't listen to the people who said I was good or bad. I listened to me. I knew in my heart that I could play and nothing was going to stop me from being the best player I could be. When I made the transition from high school to college, I set a new goal for myself. I decided that I could be a professional. I focused and made the necessary sacrifices that have helped me become a professional soccer player, first with the A-League San Diego Flash and now with the Earthquakes. Most importantly, I believed in myself. Now, I'm exactly where I want to be.

The best part of the story is that I'm still developing. I still have to face the fact that everyone has an opinion. There will always be people who don't think I'm good enough. This is okay, because what matters the most is that I believe in me. The same goes for every developing player. If you know what your goals are and you keep your sights set on them, then you can reach your dreams. No matter what anyone says, as long as you believe in yourself and always try your hardest, you too can make it to where you want to be. Follow your heart and it can take you all the way to Major League Soccer too.

Happy holidays from the San Jose Earthquakes family to yours!

Give the Gift of Soccer!

Tis the season for exciting Earthquakes soccer. Earthquakes 2000 Season Tickets are the perfect holiday gift for the soccer fanatic in your life. Get ready to rumble in Spartan Stadium in 2000 as San Jose and MLS take the world's sport into the next millennium.

For all of the details about giving the excitement of the MLS experience this holiday season, contact your league's ticket representative or check out the "Season Tickets" page at www.sjearthquakes.com/club.htm.

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