John Penland '18 Recruiting Profile

    “Through hard work and sheer determination, JP has transformed himself into an elite level player.”  That is the how my trainer with whom I have worked since I was a U10 recently described me.   My name is John Penland (aka ‘JP’), and I have loved the game of soccer since I started playing at age 4.  I love training and the saddest days of the year for me are the days after the soccer season ends.   I cope by starting to prepare for the next season.   That dedication has raised my game to compete in the highest level leagues in Chicago.

    I am a disciplined, mature player and a vocal leader to my club and high school teams.  I have been awarded a team leadership award on two of my recent teams.   I thrive organizing a defense and making surgical tackles when required.  I also have strong technical skills to initiate and support the attack in a possession-based style.    If your college soccer program needs a strong technical and tactical defender who brings leadership, discipline and maturity, then I would be interested in learning more about opportunities at your program.