Ata Ozbay was unaware his future would revolve around soccer when he first started kicking a ball at family picnics at age 4.

“I just wanted to stand up to the dads and the older guys and stand out,” Ozbay said.

Now, with his first start for the Wisconsin Badgers men’s soccer team logged this weekend against San Diego State, Ozbay is ready to continue fighting for a spot on the field.

Ozbay grew up an hour northwest of Chicago in Barrington, Ill., a town with a population 22 times smaller than Madison’s. At Barrington High School, he helped lead his team to an Illinois State title in 2007. Throughout his high school career he racked up numerous accolades including Mid-Suburban League West Division Player of the Year, All-Region V honors by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, and second-team all-state by the Chicago Tribune.

During his final two years at Barrington High, he notched 38 goals and 20 assists. Ozbay also gained invaluable experience playing for the Chicago Fire U-18 USSF Development Academy, where he became one of the team’s top scorers with nine goals.

With 25 goals and 11 assists his senior year, the promising striker had not gone unnoticed. First year head coach Todd Yeagley was able to announce the signing of the young talent last May, amid various offers from other Midwest schools.

“His ability to unbalance defenders in 1 v. 1 situations is what Ata’s big specialty is,” Yeagley said. “He has good change in speed, and he’s got some good instincts and those are things we thought we could work with.”

The Wisconsin team had to look to reserves and new recruits to fill the gaps left by two graduating forwards, notably Victor Diaz, whose name appears toward the top of several school attacking records.

“We lost some key players last year,” Yeagley said, “[Ozbay] has come in and shown he can help us in the attacking part of the field.”

In four games this season, Ozbay has taken five shots and hit the target three times, but has yet to put one away against an opponent during the regular season. During the two preseason games in August, he was able to get onto the scorecard with a sliding goal against No. 1 Akron and recorded an assist against UW-Parkside.

“He’s had a good impact,” senior striker and team captain Scott Lorenz said. “Just being a guy who can come off the bench right now and sub the wingers we know we’re bringing in a guy with a lot of talent and a lot of future ahead of him. There’s really no drop when he comes into the game. If anything there’s a lift. He gives us a lot of energy.”

Despite being a freshman with only a few months of team experience, the squad and coaches are expecting big things from young Ozbay.

“With his talent comes a sense of leadership,” Lorenz said. “You almost have to take it under your wing because people will follow you, and I think he will be able to develop that over the next four years.”

The former Barrington High striker knows what is expected of him and is eager to prove himself to his new team.

“Even in my freshman year, I’d love to help as much as possible,” Ozbay said.

Spelling out his collegiate goals, he wants to “grab a Big Ten title, do well in the NCAA tournament, then over four years bring back the winning ways to Wisconsin.”

For inspiration, Ozbay looks to his idol, Kak?, a Brazilian born superstar forward. In fact, many of Ozbay’s qualities match that of his favorite player.

“He has great potential,” Lorenz said. “He’s one of the fastest players on the team. He’s really technical. When he gets in space he’s one of our most dangerous players.”

Ozbay will be looking to Yeagley and his staff for guidance as he continues to mature into a complete player.

“[The coaches] never give me a break,” Ozbay said. “If they see me walking, they’re on me right away. It keeps me on my toes and working hard.”

A challenge presented to every rookie player entering a Division I team is the transition into a faster, more aggressive style of play.

“Like any freshman, he has an adjustment period,” Yeagley said. “The speed of play and the physical components of playing with guys four to five years older is always an adjustment. Ata’s going through those same adjustments.”

The 2009 season is still in its infancy. With high expectations, Ozbay is eager to please his new squad.

“He’s not afraid,” Yeagley said. “He’s very sure of his abilities. He’s a confident young man and that translates on the field.”

“This is a whole different level,” Ozbay said. “I’m working to be the best I can possibly be.”