Kenan Clarkson '24 Recruiting Profile

Even at a young age I knew I wanted to play soccer.  My dad got me started playing at the YMCA for 2 years.  I thought it was just a fun sport at first, but as I transitioned to playing with a club, I realized that is what I wanted to do with my life.  My dad coached my club team through junior high, and learned so much along the way.  Even though I was never the best player on the field I always gave it my all and left it on the field.  I did lead the team in assists most of those seasons.  Over the years I have played every position, including goalie.  But the last few years I have focused on playing midfielder.  As a midfielder I excel at communication on and off the ball, as well as looking for the open passing lanes and shots.  My coaches have told me I have a great eye to get the ball where it needs to go to make those big plays.  

As a freshman, I made the varsity soccer team and got to see some playing time, but mainly started and played in the JV games.  After playing in a few varsity level games I realized how hard it is to play at that level, and what I will need to do to be able to compete at the next level.  I am one of the first players to show up to practice and one of the last to leave.  I want to put in as much extra time on the field as I am able to.  And during the off season I played club level soccer, started working out more, and going to the field often to get more practice time in.  Last year as a sophomore I was able to start several  games.  If I wasn't a starter I was the first sub in.  This allowed me to push myself harder to help the team in whatever way I could.  I have gone to several college camps to work on my skills and be challenged to play my position better.  This year I learned a new position (outside back) and was expected to start and had worked hard for that starting position.  But because of politics and selfishness on other players coach only started me half the games.  I was able to handle that disappointment well and worked harder in practice to continue to fight for that starting spot.  The games I did start and had lots of playing time, the goals scored against us were fewer than when I wasn't playing.

Academically, I study hard and push myself to maintain good grades.  I take as many honors classes as I am able to so that I can be challenged and grow mentally.  I am always looking for a challenge and to keep learning new things.  I want to be able to stand out and be successful in life and to be able to make myself, my family, and my friends proud.  Ultimately, I not only want to play college soccer, but to find a university that can push me on and off the field.  To challenge me academically and to grow as a player and person.