Aleko Zorba '25 Recruiting Profile

I am an excellent student and an elite athlete. I am ranked #1 in my class academically and I currently play at the U16 Academy level in Spain for C.D. Legańes “A” team.

I have had the good fortune and opportunity to train with great coaches and play on some of the best teams in some of the most competitive leagues in Southern California, in addition to playing overseas. I come from the small rural town in California (Acton), and like most kids in the U.S., I began playing soccer at the recreational level. But then I was exposed to soccer in Europe, and like so many players around the world, I began playing soccer in the street with friends until we "promoted" to the town square in front of the church or hopped the fence to sneak in and play in the schoolyard after hours. 

From this point my life changed, and it became clear that even though all I wanted to do was play soccer, this sport was more than just a game. As I continue to play, I continue to challenge myself by playing against older players, better players, faster players, stronger players, and at higher, more competitive levels in order to evolve as a player.  

I continue to grow as a player with every experience and every minute on the pitch. I have learned so many beneficial lessons (technical, tactical, on the ball, off the ball, vision, intuition, anticipation, discipline, patience, recovery, discovery, from so many different coaches - each with their own unique styles and philosophies. 

Currently I am playing at C.D Leganes U-16 Academy "A" team. I find the style of play here in Spain faster, more physical, and cerebral. In Spain, I enjoy being immersed in the game and learning the Spanish system because it is intelligent and intense while also adaptable - not unlike the game itself. 

It’s important to me to state here that I am a student-athlete first: I am taking all the honors and AP courses that are available to me, I have already completed one college course, and I am first in my class.  I work/study hard, and I play hard, and I believe that I embody virtues and qualities of a player for whom college will best provide the academic and athletic goals I aspire too.