Angel Ruelas '20 Recruiting Profile

• My name is Angel Jacob Ruelas. Around the age of five, I enrolled in American Kenpo Karate. A little while after, I started playing soccer as well. I took karate as simply being part of my life. I started achieving higher belt ranks, and at the age of eleven, I earned my 1^st degree black belt. The following year, I earned my 2^nd degree black belt. Through my progression in karate, I was able to learn about short and long term goals. The development of my discipline, my self-control and my attitude in karate have only been a stepping stone to higher achievements in the field of my real passion, which is soccer.

My aspiration to become a great soccer player has increased overtime.  At age six, I started playing indoor soccer. The following year, I moved to a bigger school and was able to play in the school team.  I loved the beautiful game. I longed to find a competitive team I could be a part of. Initially, I enrolled in a league where I faced some challenges. My coach wasn’t really a soccer coach and didn’t have a passion for the game.  That year we never won a single game. My self-confidence diminished a little since I experienced some put downs; however, I continued to practice and play fervently. I continued to hope for a better team and the opportunity to grow and improve.

Three years ago, I found another league, in which my coach has challenged me to develop my skills.  Gradually, I have become a stronger player. Since I have shown great responsibility and leadership, I am the team captain. I have been exposed to playing different positions, and my vision of play has become one of my strengths.  Besides the team practice, I have a personal coach with whom I practice twice a week and is contributing greatly into my formation as an athlete. In my first year in High School, I made the varsity team and started as a mid-fielder. Also, I made the state ODP player pool. I realize I am the first athlete in my family; therefore, I know there is a great deal of things to learn.

As a motivated high school student, I seek to develop my academic skills as I pursue to get excellent grades.  My aspirations have gotten greater and my goal is to play for a division one college which will lead me to play at a professional level either in the US or abroad. I know that it will take extensive work, practice and training, but I am willing to excel as a soccer player and do everything it takes.