Tanner Cellio '22 Recruiting Profile

While I consider myself to have achieved a high level of both academic and soccer success, the path to these achievements did not come easily. Growing up, I always had a ball at my feet and could not wait until I was finally old enough to play competitive soccer. I had the privilege of playing opponents one or two years older, which was difficult for me at first as I was small for my age. However, I eventually learned to increase my speed of play, improve my tactical awareness and learn how to play under pressure. After I switched club teams in order to play at a higher competition level, my new coach noticed my creativity, versatility, and awareness of the game and opted to change my position to Center Attacking Midfield, which is the same position I played while helping bring my high school a state championship during my sophomore season.

It is through hard-work, perseverance and self-motivation that I have become successful in the classroom and on the soccer field. In 2017 my dedication was recognized on a national level when I won Manchester City’s U14 US National Skills Championship.  This allowed me the opportunity to travel to Manchester where I stayed and trained at the City Football Academy.

This beautiful game has helped me build lifelong friendships and memories while giving me some of the most difficult challenges of my life. I look forward to any opportunity to continue playing the most enjoyable activity in my life.