Ethan Dobbins '20 Recruiting Profile

I'm Ethan Dobbins and I'm currently the starting goalkeeper at Aluche Fc in Madrid.  I have enjoyed playing my HS and Club soccer here in South Florida the past 4 years.  I've been fortunate to be named to the All Miami-Dade soccer team 3 years in a row, while leading my Palmer Trinity HS team (soph year) to the Florida State Semifinals.  So far, I've had the opportunity to play against some of the best youth teams in the world from Getafe Fc to Real Valladolids U18 Teams.

I'm taking this gap year due to the fact that I'm graduating at age 17 and I'd like another year to develop before entering college.  As of right now, I play on two teams in Madrid that each play matches every week.  I am looking forward to improving my technique against future professional players. EKRA specializes in training players to prepare for professional careers, so the training and competition has been superb.  I've gotten to the point where I can communicate effectively in both English and Spainish to my teams during games.

I have developed my GK skills by working with amazing goalkeeper coaches in both South Florida and Madrid that have helped me hone in one the little details of my game. In Spain, players are almost forbidded from taking more than 3 touches at a time on the ball, therefore, my ball skills have tremendously improved over these last couple of months. I can't wait to see what level I will be at by the end of the year.

I have a type A personality and enjoy directing my defenders on the field and ensuring that our defense is in proper position.   I take the greatest pleasure in playing in high intensity games where I have the opportunity to make crucial saves for my team.  As the skill level of my opponents rises, I keep working hard to improve my ability to stop the talented forwards that I face.  Spain truly is on another level compared to the club talent I have previously faced in South Florida, as all the spainish players grew up with a ball on their feet. 

After coming back during this winter break to various college camps, I'm reassured that my training has indeed paid off. I believe I can be a starter for any college program within the next two years due to my size, athleticism, communication abilities, and distribution.

My size and quickness have helped me impact opponents' shots and make some difficult saves.  I have been hitting the weight room pretty hard this year and will continue to do so to keep improving my quickness.  

Academics are also at the forefront of my mind as I want to be pushed by the people around me to achieve great things in life. Currently, I offer online business consultation to a list of 7 clients per month, as well as publishing courses and articles on how to start a successful online business (if you type my name, a few articles should apper). I want to attend a college with a strong business school so that I can make connections and be better suited for life off the pitch.