Mitch Guitar: A Midfield Maestro’s Journey with the Wisconsin Badgers

Mitch Guitar carved out a notable career as a midfielder for the Wisconsin Badgers men’s soccer team, demonstrating consistent performance and a team-first mentality throughout his collegiate years. From walk-on to All-Big Ten recognition, Guitar’s journey is a testament to his dedication and skill on the field.

Early Impact and Consistent Growth (2016-2018)

Guitar made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2016, playing in all 19 games and starting in four. He showcased his offensive capabilities early on, scoring his first career goal against Florida Atlantic and providing assists against Big Ten rivals Michigan and Maryland. His freshman year laid the foundation for a solid collegiate career, demonstrating his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively from the midfield.

Building on his freshman campaign, Guitar solidified his role as a key player for the Badgers in his sophomore year (2017). He played significant minutes, exceeding 1900 minutes on the pitch, and contributed with a crucial goal in the NCAA Tournament against University of Illinois-Chicago. His consistent presence in the midfield highlighted his reliability and stamina.

2018 marked a standout season for Guitar. As a junior, he started every one of the 17 matches he played, often playing the full 90 minutes. His contributions in the midfield were recognized with an All-Big Ten Second Team selection. While recording two assists and a career-high 12 shots, it was his overall command of the midfield and ability to enhance the play of his teammates that truly defined his junior year.

Prep Career and Foundation

Before his time with the Wisconsin Badgers, Mitch Guitar honed his skills in Michigan. He earned all-league, all-district, all-region, and all-state honors during his freshman year at Troy High School. His club career with Vardar Soccer Club was equally impressive, playing for seven years and contributing to multiple Michigan State Cup Championships (2010, ’11, ’12, and ’13). He also gained international experience at the Manchester United Premier Cup World Finals in China in 2012, further broadening his soccer horizons.

Coach’s Perspectives on Mitch Guitar

Wisconsin Badgers Head Coach John Trask recognized Guitar’s unique qualities early on: “Mitch is a special player… His ability to make everyone around him more effective is his greatest strength. He provides the midfield with a true general and helps to link the game.” These words underscore Guitar’s unselfish play and his importance in connecting different parts of the team on the field.

Associate Head Coach Keith Tiemeyer further emphasized Guitar’s impact on his teammates: “Mitch is a player who makes all the players around him better… Whether he’s playing as a true link midfielder getting other players involved in possession or he’s unlocking the opposition with his incisive passing, Mitch is a great addition to the Badgers.” Tiemeyer also highlighted his defensive awareness, noting that his “positional sense defensively shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Career Highlights and Stats

Mitch Guitar’s career statistics showcase his consistency and contributions over his years with the Wisconsin Badgers.

Mitch Guitar’s career at Wisconsin demonstrates the impact of a dedicated and versatile midfielder. His ability to contribute across different facets of the game, combined with his consistent performance and leadership qualities, made him a valuable asset to the Badgers program.