Shooting for the future

Posted: Feb. 7, 2012

Setting up the perfect shot takes skill. It requires focus, accuracy and the right alignment; something that Mukwonago High School (MHS) senior Sean Lenz is adept at, both on and off the field. It is this ability to take great soccer and photo shots that has landed Lenz local and national recognition, and a spot at a dream college.

Making the shot

Since he was 6 years old, Lenz has loved with soccer. He's played with leagues such as MK United and SC Waukesha in addition to his years on the MHS team. He made varsity his sophomore year and wrapped up his senior season last fall, at the end of which he was voted MVP and Best offensive player by his teammates, and second-team All Conference. Additionally, Lenz was the first MHS student to be chosen for the fourth annual Now Newspapers/Milwaukee Wave Senior All-Star game, which was held after the Milwaukee Wave game on Jan. 29.

"I really push myself to be a better soccer player. That has helped me get these awards," he said.

Lenz finished his senior year with 17 goals and seven assists for a total of 41 points, said his coach, Shannon Schulte.

"He's extremely versatile and very talented," Schulte said. "He's always been a very talented player."

Schulte said that Lenz has played nearly every position on the team and has done so with exceptional ability. This ability as well as Lenz's composure and calm demeanor on the field are what set him apart.

"He's just a really special soccer player," she said.

For Lenz, soccer is a way to stay in shape, keep healthy, and have some fun.

"I just love it," he said.

Taking the shot

Another of his loves is photography, although he has dabbled with many art mediums.

"I like the way that moments in time can be captured and how you can express feelings through photographs," Lenz explained.

He most enjoys capturing landscapes with his camera, and has found inspiration in the landscapes in and around the Kettle Moraine state parks.

"I just love the natural beauty behind the wetlands, forests, lakes and river," Lenz said.

Lenz was recognized with an honorable mention for the 2012 Scholastic Art Awards for his photography during a presentation at the Milwaukee Art Museum on Saturday, Feb. 4.

"Sean is a fantastic photographer," said MHS art teacher Eric Rotowski, who submitted Lenz's work for the award. "He has an understanding of the true nature of photography."

Lenz has a darkroom in his basement and often develops film and makes prints for himself and friends.

"He is one of the most advanced photographers I have had in my 19 years of teaching," Rotowski said. "His passion and expertise really show through in his work."

View Lenz's work during his senior art show, on display in the MHS art gallery from Feb. 8-15.

Shooting for the future

Lenz's natural abilities for soccer and photography have gained the nation's attention.

After placing his soccer statistics and interests on berecruited.com, a website that helps high school athletes and college coaches connect, Lenz was contacted by The Academy of Art in San Francisco, which recruited him for its D2 soccer team this fall.

"You don't see a lot of artists being athletic," Lenz said, which was part of The Academy of Art's appeal.

Lenz plans to major in photography at the academy and hopes to turn photography into a full-time job one day.

"The reason why I'm going to art school is to find what I really like and what I excel in," Lenz said. "I think it will be a good place to start my career."