Elan Martin '18 Recruiting Profile

    Although soccer has become my passion, I discovered it a lot later than most. I started exploring my athletic abilities as a gymnast and a swimmer. My passion for soccer developed in the third grade, when I was offered the opportunity to join a recreational soccer team. Learning the skills of the game was challenging, but the exhilaration I felt when I scored my first goal had me hooked. This sport has helped me develop as an athlete as well as an individual. I have learned that it is great to have talent, but hard work and commitment are better currencies.

    Throughout the years, the game has been a part of my everyday life and has helped given me the confidence to accomplish a lot. As one of the top scorers on my team, I was able to help my team qualify for the top premier league in my region. I was also able to participate in numerous regional tournaments. One of my major accomplishments was participating in tryouts for the North Texas Olympic Development Program (ODP) and was successful in making the team. I was privileged to play alongside some very talented players in my area. These experiences have taught me leadership, how to be coached, and to be humble. I have also applied what I've learned towards my academics and extracurricular activities. I have also discovered  that both failure and success help to develop a person.

   Although my road map to college has been evolving, a chance to play collegiate soccer while pursuing a career in health sciences, has always been something that I have aspired to do. Hard work has helped me achieve many of my dreams and I hope it will help me accomplish even more on the path that I plan to follow.