Thomas DePaula '25 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Thomas DePaula. Growing up as a Brazilian-American born in Florida to a family of soccer enthusiasts, soccer became a crucial part of my life from a young age. I have always dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player and  have been working diligently to achieve that goal. I am considered a 2e person, meaning that I have a  "twice-exceptional" brain, a term used to describe individuals who have both a learning difference, in my case dyslexia, and exceptional abilities in one or more areas. This understanding gave me a new perspective on my strengths and weaknesses. One of my work ethics is to apply the fundamentals of growth mindset into my soccer development pushing myself to improve my skills through practice and perseverance. I have learned how to see my setbacks and failures as opportunities for growth and learning. I am often recognized for my soccer skills, sportsmanship, and leadership on and off the field. I am also an advocate for others with learning differences, sharing my story and inspiring others to embrace their strengths and reach their full potential.