- July 2020
Personal Statement
I would say my best attribute is I make friends easy and I like being a team player. I love pulling defenses off balance and putting in a pass that allows a tap in for a team mate. I have always led my teams with assists. I originally had a goal to be a professional, but I also like to focus at the reality of a future of what I can do. So, after some long thought, I decided to go the college route.
I have played in Brazil for three summers. The first summer I played with Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro for 10 days. I lived with the team and practiced daily. Fluminense was a challenge as no one spoke English or very little. The talent was high and it made me realize how much work you have to put in to be successful. I only scored one goal and it was amazing how the team came to celebrate me. The rest of the first summer I went to Santos and was playing for Jabaquara & Altetico. Both of these teams are feeder teams for Santos. We practiced two times daily for two hours for the rest of the summer. Weekends we traveled and went to the beach.
The second summer I went to Brazil. I stayed the maximum of the visa or eight weeks. I practiced with Jabaquara mostly and was moved up to play with the U20 team because the World Cup was going on in Brazil and most everything was shut down especially when Brazil was playing. I don't know how to explain the way Brazil acts during a major tournament. Something to experience. Playing U20 was a challenge, but it taught me a lot about ball control and possession play. If my pass was not crisp and hard, I would loose the ball. Brazil plays possession and short passes. Very fast.
My third summer was the best as I actually made a team with Jabaquara and was able to play in real games not just practice. This was a huge success as you have to be called to play. Brazil you earn your spot at each practice. One game was up in the mountains and not everyone had shoes on the opposing team. The entire village came out to watch and were beating on drums. Very intimidating... My Portuguese never got off the ground... Just enough to order food, find the bathroom, but I did get by with some Spanish.
I played for Eclipse as my club team in the US for the past two seasons and before that I played with Sockers. Eclipse plays a possession game. Our A team and B team came in first and second respectively in NISL for my first season. The second season was washed out due to Covid... However, we did play an indoor U30 League. Very challenging. Mostly Polish and Mexican teams we went against. Chicago is a big soccer town with a bunch of competition. I kept busy during the shut down with private coaching and a few pickup games. I am ready to get on the field again.
I have also played Futsal more than I can even explain. One season our team went to Spain and competed in a 10 game competition. Surprisingly, we won every game. I do believe that is due to our Brazilian Coach Claudio. It was a great experience.
I have a 3.2 Cumulative GPA and I am studying to take the ACT... The last test was cancelled, but I did get a 29 on the PRE ACT. I hope you consider me for your school. Look forward to meeting you.
