Lake Travis HS student shines on U.S. soccer stage

A lot of soccer fans were excited to hear that the U.S. was recently named to host the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and Canada. But it's possible one Lake Travis High School senior is the most excited.

Eight years from now Aidan O'Toole could actually be playing on the U.S. National soccer team.

Aidan says he and his dad used to go out every morning to practice and it's definitely paid off for the 17-year-old.

"Eventually it all just kind of came together," Aidan says.

Aidan is in the Lone Star Soccer Club Development Academy and was just one of 20 players to make the U.S under 16 Boys National Team last year.

Ron Dennie, who coaches Aidan at Lone Star, says "It's very difficult. You think about the size of the country, the vastness of it, being able to identify talent, the ability to get a coach to believe in a player from Austin, Texas, where right now there is no professional soccer, it's huge."

About the experience Aidan says, "It's been great, especially the trip to France had a lot of exposure, seeing other Countries play is just crazy. Like one game I started against Brazil, they are so technical, so good with the ball, it's awesome to watch.  You get to meet new people, make new friends and just keeps you wanting more."

Aidan hopes that desire helps him fulfill a lifelong dream of one day playing on the highest level.

"Obviously, MLS first, maybe try and go there and then eventually with the National Team would be great, 2026 is always the dream. It's definitely weird not watching them in the World Cup, since every other one I've seen them, but hopefully if I can make it there, I can help them get them back," Aidan says.

Dennie says he believes Aidan has all the tools to be an elite player and that Aidan is always wanting to improve and "that's what I love about him as a coach."

"I want the kids around here to dream, to dream. You know, to see themselves there one day.  That's what this country needs, we want to win the World Cup one day, the U.S. wants to.  I know it sounds far fetch, but you can't do it, unless you first dream it," Dennie says.

Aidan says from now until early August they have off so he's just working on off season conditioning and other things. He says he's just trying to stay in shape and get ready for next season.