Soham Mukherjee '19 Recruiting Profile

Playing competitive soccer has always been a passion in my life. I started playing soccer at the age of 5 with kids many years older than me, and I currently play club soccer at the highest level in Nor-Cal NPL. Last year I was part of a U14 US Soccer Development Academy team in my club. I also played in our high school Varsity team as a sophomore this year in the highest division of high school soccer. As I move beyond high school and develop my career, soccer will continue to define my identity. I intend to channel the same grit and competitive spirit of winning a soccer game from a challenging situation that I have exercised far too often, to have a very successful 4-year college in Science & Engineering.

I am taking the most challenging classes (AP and Honors) that are offered during my 4 years at Monta Vista High School. MVHS is #11 within California and #101 National ranking.

I learned to play soccer to my strengths which  I believe is an important skill to have. When I was in 7th grade I became part of De Anza ForceSoccer which is known for its advanced competitive teams and professional coaches. I continued to play as a starter primarily as an attacking or defending midfielder. The next season there were tryouts for USDA U14. Players from all over the Bay Area and beyond sought to join our club's prestigious academy program. I managed to make the initial team. From that moment I realized how we have the ability to achieve almost anything we want by focus and hard work. I have seen many kids with great soccer potential to have fizzled due to lack of good training habits. Practicing for a shorter time with high intensity and effort always works better for me than practicing for longer hours with lower intensity.  I hope to keep improving in soccer at a rapid pace and continue my sport into college. I aim to make a great college soccer team and help that team achieve even bigger greatness.

Why my coaches like(d) me:

1. I always put the success and well-being of the team ahead of my own glory.

2. In adverse situations, I  can stay calm and do whatever is necessary as a leader to win the game.

3. I take soccer very seriously, I never tried to cut corners and put 100% effort in every practice. This helps me earn respect both from my teammates and the coaches from the very beginning.

4. I can play in almost any position in a highly competitive game (other than goalie), which shows not only the breadth of my soccer skills but my ability and willingness to adjust in any given situation and team composition.