Sam Marsh '19 Recruiting Profile

    Every year since beginning competitive soccer, the season has begun by contemplating whether or not this will be the year that we make it to the State Cup Finals. This year, the long-sought-after goal has finally been realized, to perfection for me, as I was able to start and play almost every minute of both the semifinal and final games. Now we are the 2017 U-16 Kansas State Cup Champions and, making the year even sweeter, we were champions of one league that we competed in this year and almost the champions of the other. A rain-shortened game resulting in a tie rather than a win, was the only thing that prevented my team from taking first place. It has been highly motivational being able to prove myself, rather than just believe myself capable of playing at that level.

    My education does come first for me. I have always maintained high grades and challenged myself academically by taking AP, college-level and honors courses. Because of my devotion to soccer, however, I believe that it is essential for me to continue playing while also pursuing my college degree, or I will be left forever feeling as if I have unfinished business. Any coach interested in playing me should not expect to see me leave my feet and slide tackle, but they probably will not see me get burned, either. I play conservative because one point is huge in soccer and because I am usually the last man standing between the ball and the goalie. Coaches that only see exciting tackles might not notice me at first, but I would like them to see that I make it easy for my teammates to be seen tackling players that I have stopped, redirected or reversed because I contain better than anyone, and I do not allow uncontested shots on goal. Coaches also need to know that I am the player to mark up with and shut down the other team’s big offensive threat. If they learn these two things about me, they can use me to my full potential.