Joseph Kang '20 Recruiting Profile

Coach,

    First of all, I'm very passionate in soccer, and I always worked hard to become a true "student-athlete." I've been playing soccer since I was 5 years old, and soccer truly became an important aspect of my life. While living in three countries (England, South Korea, and U.S.) throughout my life, I always made friends primarily through playing soccer, and I have been continuously playing at a competitive level. As my goal is to play college soccer, I always put an effort to make myself better, while collaborating with other teammates to bring success to the team, and not just my own success. 

In South Korea, I played for Gangwon FC U12 and U15 teams, which is a youth professional team that competed at the top-level youth K-league. My passion for soccer continued when I came to the U.S. for my high school. For my school varsity team, I was a starter, and played in various positions: ST, LW, and CM. In my sophomore year, I led my school in goals and assists, and was a top scorer for the Massachusetts Bay Independent League. I was able to contribute in leading my school to the first MBIL championship game and NEPSAC playoffs (competitive tournament for prep schools in New England region). However, I experienced an injury (fractured collar bone) that prevented me from playing the championship and playoff game. Despite my unfortunate end of the season, I was named League All-Star and MVP candidate by the league coaches, All-State and All-scholastic by the Boston Globe and Boston Herald. For my club team, I have been playing for Boston Bolts, and competed for the Development Academy League (recruited during freshman year) and Elite Clubs National League. Even though I missed several games due to my collar bone injury, I was a starter (playing mainly LW) and the top scorer for the ECNL team (U17). In my junior year for school, I faced another misfortune: in the first game of the varsity season, I was tackled from behind and broke my left ankle. It was a severe injury, and I had to have a surgery in September 2018. This was devastating for me, as I aspired to lead my school in becoming the league champion and NEPSAC winners. However, I decided to end my despondent and melancholy thoughts, and worked hard to recover as soon as possible in order to get back on the field and make and impact for my club team. I am one of the very few juniors playing for the ECNL team (U18/19), which reached the state cup finals and had a successful season. As my season starts in March 2019, I hope I can help my team to have another successful season. 

As I emphasized in the beginning, I work hard to be a successful student as well as an athlete. My passion for academics is as strong as my passion for soccer. I maintain a 4.0 GPA, and I have a 1550 SAT. During my time of injury where I had spare time, I studied for 2 AP courses (Macroeconomics & Microeconomics) outside of school in addition to my 2 AP courses at school, and actively helped students at BTA for history and math as a tutor. In addition, I actively participate in community service, mainly through as a leader for Soccer without Borders club and Refugee Care Project Group at the school. Especially, I am passionate in helping the underprivileged, and I have been working with the non-profit organization "Soccer Without Borders" to serve underprivileged children in the Boston area through fundraisers, playing soccer, and providing educational help.

I believe that my hard work ethic both on and off the field will lead me to be a successful player as well as a student. Furthermore, I proved myself to be constantly optimistic and resilient, as I fought against two major injuries. I strongly believe I can bring positivity to my team whenever we face hardships. Finally, with my offensive skills and speed, and through my experience with top-level teams, I believe I would be a very valuable addition to any college soccer team. Thanks for checking out my profile!