James Napieralski '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is James Napieralski and I am currently a junior at Franklin High School in Livonia, Michigan. This year I have been selected for the Michigan 2005 Boys ODP Team, DCFC's (Detroit City Football Club) USL  Cup U19 Academy, and DCFC's U 19 Academy team, in addition to receiving another invitation to play in Barcelona through their US Camp system. I was also just selected for DCFC’ s U23 team, where I am gaining valuable experience playing with established college players and preparing myself for a college career. I am a technical, intelligent, aggressive and possession-based defensive midfielder for both the varsity high school team and my clubs, and I am known for my vision and distribution. Much of my technical ability and vision are modeled after Andrea Pirlo and Andres Iniesta because they were the engines of their team. If they did their jobs and maintained a high pass rate, then the team benefited and had a higher chance of winning. 

I learned the value of possession-based tactics through training at Manchester City, Ajax, and Barcelona Camps. In 2018 I was selected to represent the US  Barca Camps in the International Barcelona Tournament, and it was one of the most formative experiences in my soccer training. I have also guest played in Puerto Rico (Rincon Surfers) and Norway,  where I  learned that soccer is truly a universal language and there is value in being adaptable.  Coaches usually defer to me to be the silent leader on the field.  No matter where I go, and where I play,  my understanding of the game remains the same, and my job remains the same: To be the heart and brain of the team and circulate the ball through the midfield.  I am a selfless player and my philosophy is that the assist is as important as the goal.

I excel when it comes to academics and always strive to maintain a 4.0 GPA or higher. I am a member of the National Honor Society  (NHS) and. The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). I was recently one of only 50 students in the entire district selected to participate in the prestigious Career Internship Program for my 2023 senior year.  I always work hard and challenge myself, and I am currently enrolled in AP, advanced and accelerated classes. I bring the same work ethic onto the pitch and want these high standards to be carried over to the college/university that I attend.

Please feel free to contact me on NCSA, or even by text at 313 759 1160.