Alexandra Swoboda '17 Recruiting Profile

Growing up in a household where soccer is a favorite sport has been key to me wishing to carry-on my playing career into college. I love the game of soccer.  Both my parents played and still play soccer (my sister plays in college), so playing it and watching it have been family events. I love watching games live, whether it is a live MLS (I'm a Vancouver Whitecaps FC fan) game or at the Women's World Cup. The more I watch high level soccer, the more I learn. Germany's Manuel Neuer (Men's National Team) and Canada's Erin McLeod (Women's National Team) are my idols. I love watching them play and enjoy learning from them. I know how important the school that I will attend is. Education is the top priority and if I have the chance to play and represent  the school, then I have fulfilled my dreams. I haven't decided what field of studies I will go into, but I think something to do with children will be in order. I am a team player, and after guest playing with a number of teams throughout the continent (I have guest played for Canadian and American teams), I have enjoyed being coached by all the coaches. I am very coachable, and want to learn and get better after each practice and game. I am also mentally tough, which comes into play, especially after you get scored upon. When a striker makes a bad shot, most people forget about it, but when a keeper makes a bad play on the ball, it is noticed. I try to learn from my mistakes and go on, not forgetting about it, but not letting it get the best of me. I am not afraid of getting involved in the play and am physical (not dirty). Playing keeper at the highest level means collisions, getting kicked, stomped on, elbowed, etc. and that is what I really enjoy. I love being involved, but I am mentally tough enough to keep myself in the game, especially when it is quiet on my end. You have to be ready for anything. My personal attributes are that I am a team player, as the team always comes first. I always respect my teammates, even when we might disagree. If I have the chance to continue playing soccer at a competitive level, then that will carry-over into life skills, and will be an incredible experience. I just love soccer and am excited about graduating from high school and going off to college, and hopefully playing as well.