Eliajah Smith '16 Recruiting Profile

I have wanted to play soccer for as long as I can remember but, I knew I wanted to be a goal keeper after I saw Kasey Keller play in the 2006 World Cup. My mom was a keeper so she and my dad were really supportive of my decision and they have always helped me find the coaches and teams that are right for me. It's not always easy, especially if the whole team doesn't share the same goal but, it takes a lot to get me down. I always try to encourage my team and keep everyone calm and working together, especially during the games when things can get heated. I know what I want and I am not afraid to put in the work to make it happen, even when that means playing for multiple teams or having extra practice. It's a great way to get input and suggestions from different coaches and trainers so they can help me move closer to my goal.  That is one of the things I’m looking forward to most about playing soccer in college; getting to play and learn from new coaches and with kids from all over the nation.I want to be the best goalkeeper I can be and take my soccer as far as it can go and I would love to help my team be the best in the nation. I am really looking forward to being part of a college community and studying engineering as well.I am very committed to my goals and I know I’m very lucky because I have a lot of people supporting and encouraging me along the way.