Personal Statement
I am looking for a small school with an excellent soccer program. The effort I put into soccer I want to put the same level of effort into my studies. Soccer has been a major part of my life since I first played club in Scotland trying to fit in with the local kids. Football was everything to that community in Scotland and I quickly learned to value the game the way the Scots did. The three years I played there set me up to approach the game with technical precision and a very strong sense of the way the game unfolds on the pitch.
When we moved back to the US I began playing club soccer with Bend FC Timbers and learned even more under Brett Jacobs (now and assistant coach with Nashville SC). I had the opportunity to train in the Netherlands and Spain, and even spent a semester at Marbella FC (why I didn't play HS soccer my Freshman year). I have a very broad understanding of the game from extensive international experience and years playing club with our local Timbers club. I have a strong sense of the players on the field and know how to anticipate ball movement and player movement. This helps me be a leader on the field and use my skill to direct game play. I also have strong technical footwork, helped by years playing futsal.
School is very important to me. I want a school that will help set me up for a successful future, both in a career and as a valuable and contributing member of my community. My international experience has been a significant part of my formation and I want a school that will value a global perspective. I want the school/soccer combination to be supportive of each other.
