Richardo Ybarra (#34) '21 Recruiting Profile

My college goal is to be the best player I can be on the pitch, in the classroom, and in the community to help my team win National and Conference championships. I want to be a leader on and off the field.

Although I achieved both personal and club success in TN, I made the decision that in order to get better and really push myself, I had to get out of my comfort zone so I transferred to attend boarding school at Shattuck St. Mary’s soccer development academy. I believe my experience at SSM is shaping me into the person and player I want to be. Going to a development academy has forced me to work harder than I ever have, and I enjoy being surrounded by my teammates who want to achieve success at the next level as well. I have had to rely on my teammates and coaches more since my parents do not live close-by. My work ethic has gotten significantly better as I am constantly working to improve my game. Because this is a boarding school, I have grown to be more responsible, and this experience has helped me balance my soccer schedule/travel with a heavy academic load. I know I am sacrificing time from my family, but their support has allowed me to chase my dream.  My lifestyle of playing soccer before, during, and after school has truly made my love for soccer even stronger and playing in college will help me continue to reach my goal of playing professionally one day.