Ethan Proper '21 Recruiting Profile

For as long as I can remember, I have been playing soccer.  Whether juggling in my backyard or playing on a high-level team, I have always had a ball at my feet.  The first formal team I played with was the town travel team.   After a few years of being a part of that team, I soon realized the competition in the League and commitment of my teammates was not consistent with mine.  When I was 10 years old, I moved to an elite club team that was more consistent with my goals.

While the soccer and talent levels were much better at the club level, I was surprised at the way this higher level competition brought out a cooperation and leadership role for me.  All of the players were talented but maintaining competitiveness, confidence and positivity can be difficult when you are playing against top quality players.  I feel that I became a lightning rod for my teammates in that my mental strength, positive support and consistent effort helped form a backbone for the team.

At this point, my club team has had a great deal of success but we have also had some very tough times.  In fact, losing in the national finals was the most devastating event of my soccer career.  Rebounding from that disappointment will be a challenge but one that I believe my soccer career has prepared me to handle.

Academically, I hope to find a school that will challenge me and help me grow as a person.  I also hope that the soccer program will not only further my athletic ability but will also help me continue to grow as a person and a leader.