Ari Nitikman '14 Recruiting Profile

I started playing soccer when I was six and have been playing ever since.  Although I would call soccer my main sport, I think it is important to note that I have played many other sports at a high level at the same time.  I was at one point, 3rd in Canada for my age in Table Tennis and recently, my team placed 8th at nationals for Ultimate Frisbee.  I still play Frisbee for my High School and I continue to also play the piano, which I have been placing since the age of six.  

In terms of soccer, I have always been able to bring game up to the level of my teammates and opponents, which is one of my strengths.  I am driven by my hatred for the bench.  This is why I think my goal of playing soccer through college/university is reasonable, because I know just like I have my whole life, I would adapt, train hard and make the coaches realize I am a quality player that deserves playing time.  My dream however, is of course to play in Europe and make a living playing soccer.  I have always thought the style of soccer in North America was not for me, where brute physicality is used and praised more than patience and intelligence.  I think the first step towards this dream would be playing in college, and I am prepared to work for it.