Cannon Vines '26 Recruiting Profile

Growing up on the island of Maui means learning to chase opportunity wherever it leads, even if that means flying to a different island – or another state – to play the sport you love.

For the past several years, I've played my club games on the island of Oahu because the level of soccer on my home island simply can't match my ambitions. This weekly routine of balancing travel, schoolwork and high-level competition has taught me discipline, time management, and the value of sacrifice for something you're passionate about. When most of my classmates are relaxing on weekends, I'm catching early flights and staying with host families so I can compete against Hawaii's best players.

My commitment to finding elite competition extends beyond Hawaii. I've played ECNL showcase events with mainland clubs like Columbia Premier, and participated in training sessions with others, including the L.A. Breakers (California) and Seattle United (Washington). These experiences have accelerated my development and confirmed that I belong competing at the collegiate level.

In 2023, I was one of only 36 Hawaii players selected to spend a week training with professional youth academies in the Netherlands (Excelsior Rotterdam, NAC Breda, Willem II, FC Dordrecht) and train with Netherlands national team coaches at the KNVB campus. This experience opened my eyes to what's possible when you push beyond your comfort zone and seek out the highest levels of the game.

On the field, I'm a versatile player who thrives along the spine – whether that's holding midfielder, attacking mid, or center back. My coaches trust me to adapt to whatever the team needs, and I take pride in being the type of player who makes everyone around me better. After ten years training with Coach Aleks Filipovic and Valley Isle Soccer Academy, I've developed the technical skills and soccer IQ to impact games in multiple ways.

My game is built on physical strength, tactical awareness, and the ability to control the rhythm of play. I excel in ball recovery, dominate in the air, and possess the technical skill to initiate attacks with precision. My coaches say my shot makes me a threat from distance while contributing to both scoring and playmaking opportunities.

Academically, I maintain a 3.33 GPA while taking multiple AP courses at Seabury Hall, a rigorous college prep school. Recently, I was honored as our 2025 He Lima Kokua scholar, recognizing students who demonstrate both academic achievement and community involvement. This award reflects something important about my character – I believe in giving back to the community that has supported my dreams.

After wildfires struck our community in August 2023, I created "Maui Strong" armbands for our varsity team's return to Lahaina, showing solidarity with those affected. Community service isn't just a requirement for me – it's a responsibility. I'm on track to complete over 100 hours of community service by graduation.

I'm searching for a college soccer program where I can fulfill my potential as a student-athlete. I want to compete at the highest level possible while pursuing my academic goals in an environment that values both excellence and character. My journey from a small island to training with professional academies has prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that await at the collegiate level.

I'm ready to bring my work ethic, versatility, and commitment to a program that shares my vision for what's possible when talent meets opportunity.