Personal Statement
My name is Marley Heslop, I am a US citizen as I was born in Wellington, Florida in December 2004. I moved to Germany shortly after and have lived in the city of Bremen, which is located in the north of Germany with my mother Sophia (American) and my father Sven (German) ever since.
In Germany, I have been playing soccer since I was 5 years old and have continually developed my skills over this time, competing amongst the best teams in the region. Currently I play in the U19 Regionalliga (second highest league in Germany) for a club called FC Oberneuland. The team adopts a 4-2-3-1 formation in game in which I fulfill the position of the right center-back in game.
My previous and current coaches describe my strengths in my athleticism, pace, agility, anticipation, passing ability, composure on the ball, flexibility on the ball and ability to analyse and anticipate in-game situations. My defensive tenacity is further aided by my ability to conduct the build up play from the back and progress the ball up the field.
I visit the US on a regular basis (at least once a year) as I have a lot of family in the Florida and New York area.
I possess dual citizenship (US / German), and grew up in a bilingual environment as I visit the International School of Bremen. I will conclude my high school studies in 2023 with the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB).
As I have always loved sports and specifically soccer, I developed the dream to study at an University in the US at an early stage, to combine my athletic and academic goals at the highest level possible.
What am I looking for in my ideal college?
My ideal college would allow me to pursue my academic interest whilst simultaneously being able to compete athletically at the highest level possible. I aim to experience the concept of US college as it differs very drastically to the college culture in Germany and Europe.
What am I looking for in an ideal soccer program for me?
In Germany, I frequently enjoy watching US college sports on TV and social media. It is very apparent that the sports culture in the US is very different as the school spirit and college sports greatly intertwine. College players identify with the college and players are overall prouder to represent their school. An ideal soccer program would give me the opportunity to contribute and represent my college, as I embrace my passion for soccer. An emphatic team atmosphere, as well as coaches and staff who continually aid my athletic development and provide opportunities to prove myself would also be vital components of my ideal soccer program.
What are 3 strengths I have both athletically and in general life?
I believe my athletic strengths in regard to soccer are my composure on the ball which allows me to effectively conduct the build up play from my position as a center back. Additionally, my ability to read the game, anticipation and pace are vital assets which stand out in my game. In general life I consider myself to be very open and showing a positive attitude to anyone I meet. I find it easy to make new friends, I am easy to approach and always strive to give my best in any situation.
What are 3 things I want to improve on both athletically and in general life?
I always try to continually improve upon my skills in anything that I do. In relation to my athletic ability, I aim to further improve my physicality, whilst also improving my polymetric abilities. I am also looking for coaching which will further develop my tactical and strategic knowledge of soccer. In life I want to further improve upon my ability to perform under pressure, and refine my ability to balance my academics, athletics and social life.
