Massimo Buonassisi '17 Recruiting Profile

I would really like to play at the college level and professional some day. Besides just loving the game, I also would like to use my soccer ability to help me get money for college and get into a better college than I might be able to get into on grades alone.  I want to find a college that has a good academic reputation, offers lots of major choices (since I'm undecided about my career options) and has other high level team sports, besides soccer.  I would like to play on a good team, but also want to be able to be a starter.

My most valuable assets as a team member are:  I am hardworking, I'm smart, I'm big and intimidating, and I'm a soft spoken-leader.  I recently started working with a ex-professional keeper trainer, who is amazed at how "coachable" I am.  He says I'm the best listener, hardest worker and most positive student of the game that he has ever had.  I push myself every time I am on the field and get great satisfaction from the improvement I see. I attend both my club practices, those of another higher level team, and two keeper trainings a week, because I love it and I know it's the only way to get better.

I am also a smart player and a smart person.  My grades are good, but my intelligence goes beyond academics.  I make good choices for myself in school, in soccer and in life.  I don't get involved in drugs, alcohol or other crazy teenage activities.  I work hard at school, I work hard to help my family and I work as a referee to get more soccer and life experience.  I am able to see what is happening on the field before other players, and I can anticipate where the game is going and prepare for all circumstances.  I know my players and my opponent very well and often watch others games just to learn in general or get to know other teams' moves.

I'm a big guy and it helps when your a keeper.  I weigh over 215 pounds and I'm 5'11 and growing. My feet are big, so if I grow into them, I should be tall when I'm done growing.  I have a tough body and no fear of using it to protect myself and the goal.  I use my size and my fearless attitude to completely own the box, even when my team is being outplayed. Despite my size, I am quick, agile and have incredible responses and second chance saves.  I also have endurance and never get tired.

The last important thing about me is maybe the most important.  I am quiet by nature, but not shy or afraid to lead.  I am a great writer and public speaker and this helps me communicate well with team members, coaches, referees, and the opponent, when necessary.  My team trusts me to make decisions for them and then respects them.  I direct the defense with confidence, but never with harsh words or insults.  My critique of my defensive players includes as many positive comments as instructional ones.  I motivate others to do great things and inspire a team atmosphere in which we are truly a single unit.  

I still have a lot to learn and have only been a competitive keeper for a few years, but everyone tells me I have raw talent (size, speed, instincts) that cannot be taught, and I am working very hard on the rest.  I have the desire to improve and succeed and a love of soccer and learning that will help me get there.  I don't know exactly what I want to do for a career, but I'm hoping soccer will help me get there.