Raphael Rowley '19 Recruiting Profile

I would like to be able to be in an environment where I will be able to develop as both a student and athlete. I recognize the importance of balancing both academics and athletics. Ultimately, I would like to gain a degree and then try to play at the professional level after university.

    Indeed, school is very important to me; my teachers often describe me as someone hard working and someone who always wants to keep learning new things and go beyond what is expected. I have been on the honor roll for the past four years and plan on keeping the streak going. I finished grade 10 with a GPA of 4.00 (average of 95 out of 100). I would also like to be the valedictorian of my school’s graduating class. 

My players will often describe me as a leader given that I communicate a lot. I find that it is important to organize your team as a goalkeeper. I'm also called brave/fearless, as I'm not scared of coming off my line or out of my box to win the ball and support the attack. I personally try to play like Manuel Neuer. I try to be pro-active when my team has the ball by supporting the play and playing high off my line, which also helps to defend through balls. Also, I have good tactical awareness and I have solid shot-stopping skills, as all goalkeepers need to have.

In the fall of 2018, I had the chance to play a game in the League 1 Ontario (provincial semi-pro league). I also got the opportunity to train with the Ottawa Fury FC (USL) first-team. I got to experience how fast-paced the next level is. Since then, I have worked on making decisive and quick decisions.