Ryder Barrett '22 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing and studying the game of soccer for as far back as I remember.  To say it is my passion is an understatement.  I take great pride  in being an athlete and student of the game.  As a center back/defender I am the eyes of the team , ‘the air traffic controller‘. I have the ability to read the field and anticipate what each players next move is. I am able to quickly break down their weaknesses and communicate efficiently and effectively  with my team in order to take advantage. I am very coachable , enjoy receiving any kind of feedback that can help me grow into a next level player. I have a drive and desire to be the best in my position.  I am goal oriented and expect that from my teammates as well.  A strength I possess on the field, specifically during high pressure moments, is to bring leadership and a motivating excitement to the pitch. I can seamlessly maintain my role as center back , give direction and guide my team, make corrections and clearly communicate with my entire team . I am a versatile player who has the strength of speed and agility. The skill and capacity to get make a crucial play in a blink.  

I take pride in my gift as a leader  on and off the field .  I have been the Captain of my club team every year I have played club soccer, and this year I have the honor of being the Captain of my High School team.  I take my role seriously and believe that character makes the man; your character off the field is just as important on the field .

I attend an academically challenging all boys college prep school in Kansas City, Mo called Rockhurst High School.  I have worked hard to have a 3.6 GPA  and will continue to excel throughout my academic career. I have a great ability to manage my time and prioritize my academics and I take great pride in doing  beyond what’s expected in order to achieve my goals off the field as well as on the field. 

My family is my #1. I am the oldest of 4 boys, all who play soccer. My two youngest brothers play with the MLS academy Sporting KC.  This year I have had the pleasure of  sharing the pitch with my younger brother for the first time and I have really enjoyed watching him grow as a player and person this year. It  has been a gift I didn’t expect. I‘m sure my parents also appreciate that they have one less game to attend. We are busy family and I have really enjoyed watching my brothers develop as players and people. It is certainly something I will miss when I’m away at college; I will also miss their unfiltered feedback of my performance that day. 

My parents have been big role models for me all my life.  My Mom has always led an active and healthy lifestyle. She became a runner after my second brother was born, going from her first 5K to a marathon in a couple of months. Later my Dad picked up running marathons and while  my Mom was pregnant with my third brother, picked up triathlons. My Mom quickly joined him as did the rest of us. Though we never quite achieved Ironman status like he did we did win a few. My parents showed me what it takes to achieve a goal around a crazy busy schedule.  Time management ,focus, patience ,persistence, and resilience are key.  By example, they taught me that failure can be a better education than a win itself.  They are my biggest fans and supporters.

Growing up in a active household we had a lot of trips to the doctors office, with that being said I am interested  in pursing a degree in the field of health sciences (pre-dentistry, pre-med, physical therapy, sports medicine).