Olivia Clemons '24 Recruiting Profile

I am a driven athlete and student that loves to conquer challenges and who views failures as a way to continue to improve. In my spare time I love solving puzzles, playing mind games, solving a rubiks cubes, completing puzzles and baking. I also value giving back to the community and have volunteered at a local food pantry and recently have donated the masks I have sewed during COVID to our local hospital. I am quiet when you first meet me, I am a great listener and am extremely loyal. I also absolutely love Soccer.

Soccer has been a huge part of my life ever since I played my first recreational game in first grade. I found that I enjoyed the speed of the game, the challenge to maneuver around, outwit and out perform my defenders, and the joy in playing as a unified team. We win as a team and lose as a team.

Soccer has remained one of my passions for the last nine years for many reasons. I enjoy the physical aspect and excitement of the game, being part of a team that has become an extended family, and the challenge to continue to improve my skills as a player. I also love the mental aspect of each game. I enjoy figuring out puzzles and each drive I take down the field is like a real life puzzle. I have to figure a way to maneuver around or make a strategic pass to ensure a shot on goal. Soccer has given me the inspiration to never give up, to work hard and remain dedicated to accomplish my goals, and to rely on others to help achieve a unified goal.

The competitive team KC Blaze Academy Gunners that I have been on for the last seven years has allowed me to continue to grow and improve as a player. I have helped our team to compete in Division 1 of the Heartland Soccer Association as well as the National League Midwest Conference. I also have enjoyed continuing to develop my skills and ability to work with other players as a member of the Olympic Development Program in Kansas and have had multiple opportunities to compete with teams in Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Indiana to name a few.

Over the years, my coaches have consistently given me new techniques to learn, develop and apply. I have been able to improve my maneuverability, shots on goal, penalty kicks and ability to get around a defender.  I love that this sport allows me to continuously grow and improve as a player. I have also found that the two years on my competitive track team has given me a fun way to way to continue to work on my speed and explosiveness, further improving my position as a forward.

I enjoyed helping my high school varsity team win conference last year and I am looking forward to the opportunity to play for them once again in the upcoming season. I  enjoy being able to play with other skilled players and learn new techniques from my high school coach. My goal is to play for a high level soccer team at the collegiate level. I love challenges and have found that I consistently rise to the challenge. I embrace hard work. I realize that every failure leads to success and I am looking forward to pushing myself to become the best player I can be.

My goal is to be accepted to a rigorous University that will allow me to pursue my academic goals and ambitions, while continuing to allow me to play the sport that I love. My academics will always be my top priority. I have remained a driven student who has consistently performed at the top of my class, graduating 8^th grade Summa Cum Laude. Although I love soccer I will always put my academics first. Education is key to long term success and I greatly value education in success throughout my life. I know that my dedication to my education, my time management skills I have developed and the passion for the game will allow me to become a successful collegiate athlete.  

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss your academic and soccer program. 

Respectfully, 

Olivia Clemons