William French '23 Recruiting Profile

I am excited to pursue my studies and soccer career in college by taking courses to help me grow in the sports world, training to improve as a player, and exposure to opportunities in America and around the world. During my studies, I also plan to take full advantage of volunteer and paid work options, that will teach me real-world lessons about sports management. I know the lessons I will gain from these experiences will be invaluable to me.

I am interested in the operation and management of sport, from the professional clubs, down to the youth academies. In America, soccer is growing at a tremendous rate. Clubs are popping up all over, so there are lots of opportunities, and challenges. A sports business management degree will provide the skills, tools, and leadership lessons I need to positively impact the sport I love, anywhere in the world. 

People want to be entertained by sport. Consumers want to be inspired. Teams bring people together. I want to play at the highest possible level, for as long as I can. I hope to inspire people on and off the field. And, it is important to me that I create a pathway to stay in the game when my playing career is over. This long-term pathway is something I have discussed in detail with my club coach, as well as my professional mentors who are retired international players. My club coach, Jordan, helped me navigate through the difficult time of my grandfather’s illness and death, both on the field and off. Jordan is a true mentor and I hope to pay his lessons forward in the future. My professional mentors have worked with me to develop a vision for my playing career, and involvement in the sport of soccer once my playing days are over. I can see myself pursuing a career in the marketing, branding, and entrepreneurial side of sport when that time comes.

I am particularly interested in the enterprise and marketing aspects of the business of sport, from the player and team perspective. How does a player become a brand beyond the sport? How is a team created, and how is a winning culture developed on the field and across an entire organization? Learning these things will give me the ability to positively impact individuals and organizations in my future career.

As a player, I am physically strong (6’2”, 185 lb.), yet fast and quick on the ball. In addition to my soccer training, I work with a private trainer to improve and maintain my strength and fitness. I am a leader on my teams, serving as Captain. I’ve worked within my school and community to build soccer culture in our area by supporting my high school’s other teams, the middle school soccer team, and encouraging attendance at games. My work with Jordan, and my professional mentors continues to make me a better leader on and off the field – I focus on what I can improve individually, but also how I can help the team better succeed as well.

A degree in Sports Management will give me the opportunity to always be involved with soccer. By adding business management skills to my love for the game, I will gain the needed tools to create lifelong opportunities in the sports world. I am excited to begin this next chapter of my life at a college offering excellence in sports business and management education, with a high-level soccer program. Thank you for considering me as a candidate for entry in Fall 2023.

Sincerely, William French