R. Cohen Cantrell '24 Recruiting Profile

I had an exceptional experience in my first year as a high school player as we took our team to win a region title for the first time in history of the school…I was able to take all of my knowledge from club ball and combine with the varsity team to develop into a very well rounded teammate. I play as a very solid and consistent left back/ fullback as well as any left field position and/or center back. I do have some experience on the right side defense as well. Although I am a dominant left foot, I challenge myself daily to strengthen my right side skills. I enjoy perfecting the skills I know, but I also like to learn new things. One advantage I do have over my teammates is variety. My small town did not offer much in higher level soccer, so we have traveled to several different clubs though the years. This experience of multiple coaching styles and versatile thinking methods offered me a unique understanding of many different cultures and styles of play. I have learned and adapted on many different levels which has given me the strength of flexibility and an open mind when it comes to technique. 

I am driven to win on all levels; I can easily set up the forwards with crosses in front of the goal and then put myself in position for rebounds when necessary. I like the surprise attack of a fullback driving the ball up the field, like Marcelo, and crossing it in for my teammates to pounce on the ball and score a banger. Long ball punts is not in my vocabulary unless last resort. This was instilled in my last three years playing with the Georgia ODP team and my most recent club coaches, I love the beauty and challenge of a passing game with many one- touches on the ball by the team, decreasing the chances of losing possession. 

I am definitely a team player, I do not find that it helps the game to be selfish with the ball. I enjoy hanging out with my teammates at practice and developing a bond off the field as well. I am not afraid to be vocal on the field, but I do try to avoid negative comments, I like to be more positive and encouraging. 

I do personal training on the side with a very challenging coach at Moore Sports Performance in Alpharetta, Ga. They have taught me many new ways to strengthen my core and build my momentum, and other ways to enhance my physique all around. My main goal with them is to build my physical abilities individually to prevent injury on the field. Learning the proper techniques is key to staying fit and healthy as well as a balanced diet. I am fairly strict with myself on what I eat and follow a nutritionist when it comes to my meal plan.

I have grown up in a home where you are expected to earn your respect and pull your part of the load around the house. This upbringing has been the foundation for my solid player abilities. I see my position on a team as an important building block to the bigger picture, I think it is very important to be respectful on and off the field and to show your character at all times in public, especially when wearing your uniform and representing your team. 

I am very excited to start my journey into the next level and build myself into a prime college athlete.