Elena Murtaugh '20 Recruiting Profile

When I'm not playing soccer, I like to explore the city with my family and friends and spend as much time as possible around animals, especially my 6 pets. Nature, summertime, softball, and ukulele have been a few of my favorite mood-boosters. Traveling and new experiences refresh me and allow my mind to flourish, making me feel more alive than ever. 

I have been a varsity starter my two years in a high school with prestigious athletic programs. I train hard, I strive to improve with every practice, and I love the sport of soccer. I also take pride in my versatility; I started every game for high school as an outside back, a position I admire and have come to love, and I started at center-forward as the captain of my club team (Memphis FC), scoring 20 goals in 25 games.  We won Tennessee's State Cup in June and got to play in the Presidents Cup South Region (where we beat teams from Louisiana and Texas). I love playing in high school, as there is always room for improvement. I was grateful last year (2017) to be nominated by my coach (Tom Davis) for the All-Metro team as a sophomore along with only one other player (a senior captain, now playing for the University of Memphis). I plan to achieve greatness under a reputable college soccer program, developing as a player and as a person. My admiration for soccer comes from the great experience and the aspirations I set for myself personally every day. I try my hardest in school, (current GPA: 4.3), I have friends and family with whom I love tremendously, and I play the complete 80 minutes in every soccer game.

While I possess several skills on the field, some natural, I would not have the athleticism, work ethic, and playing time without the immense heart and love I put into this beautiful sport, as well as my unconditional belief in my teammates and myself. I spend my free time annotating soccer books, correcting silly mistakes, and watching the pros perform their magic. The best advice I was ever given was to never be satisfied. Given the opportunity, I could potentially be a huge asset to a college soccer program that fits me, wants me, and builds me as a player, as a teammate, and as a person.