Merrick Vicente Toves '22 Recruiting Profile

I first started playing soccer when I was in 3^rd grade and was introduced to Kanoa Football Club.  At the beginning, I wasn’t fully confident that I would like the sport or even be good at it.  But growing up with the Kanoa Football Club, the players and coaches- we became family.  Our coaches and club officers really care for us; not just about soccer, but even outside of soccer and that’s what makes Kanoa special.  I love playing field- I started out as a striker but mostly play mid- forward, mid-defense or defender.  However, one thing that Coach Irish has taught me is to be flexible and to play where I am needed.  This is when I started to learn how to play goal keeper.  Coach Irish taught me that soccer is not about me and that it is a team sport.  I strongly believe that her guidance is what brought us from last place to reigning Champions, in my particular age group.  I am very proud to be from Kanoa FC, and thankful.  If it wasn’t for Kanoa FC, I would not be where I am today.

Here in Saipan, we are so very lucky to have the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association (NMIFA) who supports us and works hard to get us to compete internationally.  So, I do my part to put in the time.  My first season on the National NMI team, I was chosen as a field player.  However, the following season, our team needed a goalkeeper.  I would ask Coach Mita if I can attend additional practices with the older team, so I can improve.  I have been doing this now for 2 years.  I appreciate the opportunities to train more and get better.  The way I see it is that since our national coaches are always doing their best to bring the best out of us, I need to give it my all, too.  Being a part of the National team for the past 3 years has been an honor.  And the least I can do, is continue to work hard and also make them proud.