Personal Statement
My name is Ethan Bayer, I am 18 years old. Playing soccer at the highest level has always been a goal of mine. That is why when I was twelve years old I moved away from my home in Woodbridge, Virginia to become a student-athlete at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
My time at IMG helped me learn and develop as a student-athlete, but also as a person. IMG taught me the necessary skills that is needed for life as a student-athlete in college; such as integrity, time management, leadership, and independence. During my four years at IMG, I played three seasons on the U14 Development Academy team. I served as the Captain for the 2016-2017 season when our team finished in the Top 25. Last year as an underage player, I was the Captain of the U17 Development Academy team. In addition to serving as Captain, during my four years at IMG I was recognized with two awards. I was awarded the Coaches Award, which is given to the player who is the most coachable and knowledgeable about the game and the Boys Player of the Year award, given to the best player in the IMG Boys Soccer Program. Along with my success on the field, in the classroom I maintained a difficult course schedule, obtained a 4.4 GPA, and gained entrance to the National Honors Society.
After my time at IMG, I used my experience of adapting to new environments and living on my own to play for Rayo Vallecano in Madrid, Spain. Throughout my two years at the club, from 2018-2020, I not only improved my skills and IQ as a soccer player, but developed my Spanish speaking ability. I also was able to finish my high school studies with Laurel Springs School and finish with a 4.41 GPA.
Currently, I am playing for Boavista Futebol Clube in Porto, Portugal and am continuing to develop as a Soccer player as well as a human being during my gap year in the 2020-21 season.