Personal Statement
Soccer has and continues to be a passion for my family and me. Over the years, I have learned soccer can be an icebreaker and a great way to connect with people from all over the world. While I was on a family trip to Dublin, Ireland, in 2012, my brother and I quickly made friends by joining the nightly neighborhood soccer game. Then in 2016, while on a service-learning trip to Costa Rica, I started juggling a soccer ball with my classmates after we finished building a greenhouse for the school. Even though I didn't speak Spanish very well, the kids and I could connect through soccer. My favorite experience was traveling to Italy with the Maryland ODP team in 2019; we played four games against youth and adult teams, and their passion for the game was like mine.
I envision my college years will be my best ones yet. Although my primary position is goalkeeper, I have played every position on the field. I understand that coaches have a vision, and for the team to be successful, you need to play the part the coach feels is best for the team. I respect the varied formations and tactics that different coaches have. I am willing to be a part of the team and push myself and my teammates to be their best individually and make our team the best. My goal is to study either Computer Science or Computer Engineering. On the field, I plan to be an integral part of the success of the team. No matter my role, I will always respect the team, coaches, and the school and do my best to succeed. I am grateful for having the opportunity to play high school soccer. Although the competition may not be as high, you learn so much by working together and playing different roles, and you are playing in front of much bigger crowds, including your friends, families, alumni, and teachers. The feeling I had when I was able to tie up the match in the tail end of the championship game, is something I will never forget. I want to have that same impact on a team at the next level because the championship title wasn't just for the team or for me, it was for our entire community.
