Ryan Wadhams '16 Recruiting Profile

I have played soccer since I was a four-year-old, and, while I participated in many sports growing up, soccer has always been my passion.  I think my greatest attributes as a player are excellent field vision, a deft first touch and blistering pace.

I want to be a strong player on my collegiate team as soon as possible, and I hope to be an impact player as a freshman.  I would like to start for the team before the end of my sophomore season.  While I would like to play soccer at the very highest level, I am also interested in finding an institution which will provide me with the opportunity for a high quality education to prepare for life after my athletic career.

Though a natural center forward/striker, I am capable of playing many positions.  One of my coaches used to tell us the most valuable player to any coach is a player who can fill in anywhere.  During my club and high school career, I have played extended periods at striker, speed winger, outside back, central attacking midfield and even sweeper.  In fact, this winter I began the season for my high school team playing center back, but coach realized he need my speed and creativity more at the front than the back.

I run track for a nationally ranked cross-country and track program.  I have performed very well in the middle to long distances, and track has always helped peak my fitness for soccer.  In the 2014 Bay League Final meet, I won the 800 and came in second in the 400 and 3200 (the first time I had competed at that distance.)

I have been a Boy Scout since 2009, and my Eagle Scout Service Project was completed in September, 2014.  I anticipate completing all other work and becoming an Eagle Scout in the next couple of months.

I am the only Varsity athlete in a school of approximately 2,500 students who is actively involved in the Drama department.  In addition to some minor roles, I performed as the lead role in Shakespeare's Macbeth in the Fall of 2014.

I am actively involved with the youth of my church, St. Cross Episcopal in Hermosa Beach, CA.  I participated in a ten-day pilgrimage to Italy in 2013 and a week-long service project to help the homeless and underprivileged in downtown Los Angeles in 2014.

I have a good GPA, which I intend to raise this year.  I have always taken an advanced/honors curriculum and will have completed four AP courses by the end of my junior year.

I have always been a vocal leader on my teams, and I believe my combination of skill, intelligence and foresight will make me a good fit in any collegiate program.