Ashton Silva '23 Recruiting Profile

   I've played soccer since I was 3 years old, because my father wanted to make sure I try every sport. Well, I know there will be people talking about how they fell in love with the game as soon as they touched a ball at their feet, but to be honest, I don't remember when I first touched a ball. What I do remember is how the game has given me a sense of peace and strength during some difficult times in my life. As a kid and early teen, I’ve always struggled with an identity crisis, because I am adopted. I've never really felt like I've belonged anywhere. This sport is how I found my supportive friends to help me overcome new trials in my life. Not too long ago, I found out how bad my biological parents really were; this realization nearly broke me,  but being part of soccer allowed me to find peace despite the news. I had taken soccer for granted; now, I understand that being able to play this sport is a gift, a gift that helps me control my feeling, become a leader, teach me what sacrificing time and effort actually means, and most importantly, it has helped me find a feeling I get nowhere else except when I'm out on the pitch having fun. Now that I've learned what soccer really means to me, I want to continue to grow from the sport and hopefully encourage others to do the same.