Rayden Daijo '21 Recruiting Profile

I want to give you a glimpse into why I am so passionate about soccer. I was born and raised in Hawaii and started playing soccer at the age of 4. I found it extremely important to believe in myself and hold myself to a high level of standards. I have always been a hard worker and consistently strive for excellence. Many of my teachers and coaches would ask me “What drives you to work so hard?” My primary reason is to be a good example for my younger brother, Trevor. Trevor is a few years younger than me and has a developmental disorder called Autism. Around the time of my brother’s diagnosis, both of my grandparents on my father’s side and our family dog had passed away. At that time, I had two choices either be sad or take that emotion to drive myself to succeed. I made a promise to them to always work hard and to do my very best at whatever I pursued. In doing so, I have been fortunate to be the captain of a traveling soccer team, able to play up on a team who has won numerous championships, I was selected as the only Freshman to be pulled up to the Punahou Varsity Soccer Team in 2018 where we were the Interscholastic League's Champions and we were back to back State High School Champions in 2019 & 2020. We were projected to win a 3^rd Title until COVID lockdowns occurred.  In the 2019 Spring Season, I was awarded the Top League Scorer while playing as a defender and our team won the League Championship for the U17 division. In the summer of 2019 I was selected for the West Region ODP Pool and train at the world renowned facilities of Real Madrid months before the lockdown. My determination has been put to the test during the COVID lockdown to find ways to play, whether it be with a Men’s team that was down to 9 players willing to continue during the pandemic, building an training course in my backyard, and traveling during my breaks to play with RSL Arizona MLS Next U19.  I will do everything I can to keep playing and excelling on and off the field.  Please contact me if you are looking for a player who has a proven track record. I am seeking the opportunity to attend a college that values hard work and commitment to both soccer and academics.