River Rocha '23 Recruiting Profile

I am a military child and I started playing soccer in rec leagues at three. In 2014, after we moved four times in five years, my Father accepted a military assignment in Germany. I was nine years old when we arrived and I have played in the German youth system ever since. 

Over the past few years I have grown as player and person. As an example, during my U14 season I was one of seven 2005 (U14) boys selected for a U15 Landesliga team (regional level) and I was also selected for the U15 ODP Europe team. As the season began, the competitive level and physicality was higher than I expected. I was playing half the game and not producing, but I kept training hard. I asked my parents for more training. I trained twice a week with my club team, once a week with my ODP team, and added a fourth individual training session. During the season, our right full back was injured and my coach started me in his place. I played center forward for my club team, but I played center back for the ODP team. I think the combination of offensive and defensive work made me feel comfortable as a full back and I played with confidence. From then on I started every game, and my Coach told me I was the most improved player on the team at the end of the year. 

I have approached the game of soccer with the lessons I’ve learned; build trust with teammates and coaches, train hard, continue to improve physically and academically, and be prepare for opportunities to help the team. I am looking for a University that will continue to challenge me academically and develop me physically and mentally, to help me reach my full potential on and off the pitch.