Brandon Smith '18 Recruiting Profile

As a goal keeper, I not only defend the net, but I command my defense.  With the entire pitch in full view, my direction to the team is just as important as the saves I am expected to make.  I am a student of the position and seek to master the skills necessary to play that position at the highest level possible, seeking to emulate successful keepers such as David de Gea and Manuel Neuer.  

A true athlete by multi-sport experience, my athletic career began with five years of competitive AAU Gymnastics, in which I placed second All-around in the national competition held at the Disney Wide World of Sports complex.  During these years, I developed the flexibility, reflexes and explosiveness that prepared me for the net prior to my intention of being a keeper.  After becoming a dedicated keeper, I fell in love with the position.  My previous field experience is instrumental in aiding my vision and anticipation of the progression of play, rendering me a more effective keeper.

As a sophomore varsity starter, I upheld my school record for GAA at 0.303 that I set my freshman year.  I ended my sophomore year with a GAA of 0.81. For two consecutive years, I led my varsity team to defend our state and region championship titles, ending both seasons with clean sheets for all playoff games.  I have started and played in every game throughout my Varsity and Club careers.  As a junior, I am currently the only goalkeeper in my Region III Premier League, East (1st Division) to begin the season with a GAA of 0.00 saving six of six shots on goal at the SRPL season opener.  My performance at the very competitive CASL College Showcase (Nov. 2016) resulted in our team finishing first place in our division with a 2-0-1 record and with me posting a GAA of 1.00.  I have played six years of club soccer from the academy level to NPL, including ODP and SRPL, participating in various tournaments at multiple levels.  

I am academically driven, enrolled in the most challenging AP and Honors courses at my rigorous private high school.  My cumulative average of 95.42 and GPA of 4.0 represent my determination in achieving scholastic excellence.  I am seeking a career in biological sciences, and intend on achieving the same academic success as my sister who is a sophomore Neuroscience major at Johns Hopkins University.  

I look forward to meeting you and discussing my viability with your program.