Personal Statement
As a 6’3”, 175 lb, left foot dominant center back, who plays highly competitive European soccer, I know what it takes physically, technically, and mentally to play collegiate soccer. The keys to my current and future accomplishments are based on having a close and supportive family and a belief that discipline is essential to making a soccer team and player successful.
While my soccer progressed at a young age, I realized that my drive and desire to play more, learn more, and improve, grew exponentially. It became my passion – I knew that I wanted to do everything possible to become a really good soccer player. With both US and French citizenship, my parents found a soccer academy, Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro (previously known as The International Center for European Football - ICEF) in Publier, France. After attending the tryouts in Florida, I received an invitation to join the academy.
The sacrifices my family made and the doors they have opened for me will never be forgotten. For example, my brother (25 and former NCAA tennis champion) has been my mentor along the way. He helped me develop a daily schedule to maintain a healthy balance between academics, soccer training (including injury prevention), and internal success. His guidance helped me maximize and optimize the discipline and philosophy (“Lead by Example”) that I took away from earning my black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 7. I am not blind to what they have done, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without their efforts, but I have certainly made the most of every opportunity that I have been fortunate enough to receive. For the past three years I studied and trained at PSG Pro, which is linked with the professional team of Thonon Evian Grand Genève FC. I have played against some of the best U17 and U18 teams in France including Paris Saint Germain, Grenoble, Olympique Lyonnais, and Bourg-en-Bresse. I now train with the Second/Reserve team of Thonon Evian FC (I am the youngest player at the academy to earn this opportunity) and occasionally, get called up to train with the first team. In January of 2023, I was selected to start for the club’s U20 team (we recently won the division and are moving up next season to R1, the highest division in France for U20s). In addition, I am team captain for the PSG Pro team when there is an important match (for example we recently competed in the MIC tournament in Costa Brava, Spain)
Academics is an important legacy in my family: my parents are highly educated with postgraduate degrees from prestigious Universities and my siblings graduated from top US Universities. Although I am undecided with regards to what I plan to major in, I fully recognize how important a great education is for my future and that it brings essential skills needed to be successful in life.
