Gabriel Pirayou '26 Recruiting Profile

Born in 2008, I started playing soccer competitively for the De Anza Force Soccer Club at the age of 5 ½ years old. Since then, for almost ten years, I have consistently been a starter on the first team at the Force successfully playing every outfield position showing my versatility as a player. In 2016 and 2017, I led my team to two consecutive NorCal Premier State Cup Championships.   

Currently, I am 15 years old, 5’11”, and 160 pounds serving as the co-captain for the Force 2008 MLS NEXT team and playing the striker position (#9). In the past, I have also played as a #8/10 and #7/11. As a striker, I make incisive runs behind the back line, effectively hold up the ball to support the build-out, possess clinical finishing skills with both feet in front of goal, and tenaciously press defenders to regain possession for the team. Furthermore, I can function as a creative attacking midfielder with extensive vision and passing range with the ability to play incisive through balls and combinations to generate attacking opportunities and advance the play forward. When playing as a winger, as #7/11, I showcase my dynamic dribbling skills along with the ability to attack defenders 1v1. As a result of these skills, for the past two seasons, I have been the team’s leading goal scorer and one of the top sources of assists and chances created. Additionally, I influence the game through my leadership by encouraging teammates, providing tactical suggestions, and trying to motivate others through my actions resulting in being selected as a captain multiple times throughout my career. 

Another aspect about the sport that I love is its ability to affect the community positively and how it functions as a vessel for good. For example, in the summer of 2016, I raised over $5,000 for the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital (where I was born) Recreational Therapy Fund by juggling a soccer ball over 50,000 times (https://my.supportlpch.org/fundraiser/707390). In the fall of 2018, I volunteered for the AYSO South Bay VIP Soccer Program serving as a “buddy” for kids with special needs. Also, in 2018 and 2019, my team and I worked with a local charity to assemble hygiene kits and meals for the unhoused as well as conducting a shoe drive. 

In addition to my dedication to soccer, I am equally committed to high standards academically. I am a sophomore attending Archbishop Mitty High School in California (Class of 2026), and am taking Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors, American Literature Honors, AP U.S. History, Chemistry Honors, and Spanish III Honors. For the second year in a row, I was chosen to serve as an ambassador of the school by welcoming 8th graders to the school and chaperoning them through a typical high school day.

Last year, as a freshman. I maintained a GPA of 4.6 while enrolled in Accelerated English I, Biology Honors, Geometry Honors, and Spanish II Honors. As a result, I was awarded the Principal’s Honor Roll given to students with a GPA of 4.0 or higher. I also was a member of the Mitty Cross Country team where I challenged myself to be a multi-sport athlete balancing several commitments at an elite level. 

Beyond school and soccer, I enjoy learning to play the guitar, reading historical and mystery books, and playing FIFA with my friends and family.