Anthony Navarra '22 Recruiting Profile

Academics always have been my priority as I know that there is life after soccer and performing well in school is important to me in order to pave the way for future success after college. However, when it comes time to compete, I am locked in and focused on the task at hand which is to win. The desire to win has always been rooted in me, even with the slightest bit of competition I’ve always had the desire to win and be the best. On the field as a center back/ outside back I excel in defending, recovery, speed, and creating space. I am the strongest defender on my team and  always the fastest player on the field, and as the last line of defense this has been very useful to track down opposing players.  Speed also helps with recovery if my teammates get beat, I am able to overtake the opponent and put an end to an otherwise easy scoring opportunity. 

One of my most meaningful experiences in high school has being serving as an Options Mentor at Cathedral Catholic High School.  In my junior year, I was selected to participate as a mentor in the Options Program, which provides students with intellectual disabilities and other delays an opportunity to be part of our school community. In this leadership role, I assist in supporting students with special needs both academically and socially at Cathedral Catholic High School. I am not only an academic role model to students inside the classroom but also participate in activities outside the classroom including, having lunch with them or going to a sports game together. It is important to make sure these students are fully included in our community and understand how much we appreciate them being here. Serving as a mentor has contributed to my own success in life by enhancing my communication skills and helping me see things from a different perspective.

Furthermore, I feel that I am making an impact in promoting full integration and inclusion for people with disabilities. Often times, people in society look the other way when they see people with disabilities or feel uncomfortable interacting with them. I have always felt like it is important to be friends with everyone no matter their differences and make sure they are included in everything and not isolated. 

As an Options Mentor I have not only been able to provide much needed assistance to the student I am helping but I have also greatly benefited from this experience and grown as a leader.

In closing, I am tenacious, hardworking, and driven. I always strive to do my best no matter how difficult the task is that lies ahead. President John F. Kennedy said, "We choose to go to the moon...and do other things, not because they are easy but because they are hard, because the goal will serve to organize, and measure the best of our energies and skills, and because the challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one are we unwilling to postpone, and one which we intent to win." This quote has been inspirational to me as it has been my experience throughout my life that when faced with challenges, I have experienced tremendous growth.

I always strive to achieve excellence and am not afraid to put in the extra work needed to succeed. I have a very demanding schedule with my academics, soccer, and job working at a grocery store. I have been able to overcome the adversity of the time demands that have been imposed on me by always staying focused. I am confident that my focus and drive will provide me with an opportunity to successfully reach my goals and fulfill my highest potential.