Gregory Lashley '15 Recruiting Profile

Soccer has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad started it all off as soon as I was old enough to play. He even jokes that I was playing soccer before I learned to walk! Since then, I have played soccer year round: spring, summer, fall, and winter. I have played for a variety of recreational teams, school teams, and club teams. Each team has helped me continue to grow in experience and skill, and that is my goal every year: to continue to develop into the most skilled player possible, technically and tactically.

I have always believed that determination is the key to getting any where in life, and that has had a huge effect on my soccer career. I am always determined to be the best at a drill or activity. I am always determined to lead the team by my example. I am always determined to improve myself every time I am at practice, at a game, or when I just have a ball at my feet. This determination to be at my best has developed into a strong competitive attitude, which helps to give me an edge over many other players. Many players will make excuses and not put in full effort at practice. Not me! I always try to put in full effort to improve myself as much as possible.

Academics is also an important part of my life. I have the same determination for my schoolwork that I have for improving at soccer. High B's were never enough for me. I have always aimed for, and received, straight A's. I have also challenged myself by taking the hardest classes possible, including several AP classes. Playing soccer in college would not only be for the athletics, but also for the education that can help me develop into the most well rounded, educated person possible. When I decide where I will go to college, academics will be a major factor in that decision.

If anyone reading this takes nothing away except for one thing, I hope it is this: Soccer is my passion. I have played soccer all my life, and I want to play for the rest of my life as well. I can not imagine having to stop playing soccer just because I have grown up. College soccer is (hopefully) the next stepping stone in my soccer career. It has been my dream to play collegiate soccer, and then professional soccer, since I was a little boy. All I can do is hope that dream will someday come true, and keeping doing what I love and do best: play soccer.