Matthew Gotrell '16 Recruiting Profile

I started kicking a soccer ball almost simultaneously to learning how to walk. It is all I'm dedicated to and all I've ever wanted to do. It is what my family does. My father played through the semi professional ranks and is now Goalkeeping Director at TSF Academy. My brother is a goalkeeper at collegiate level.  My mentors are Hubert Birkenmeir and Andranik Eskandarian, two former World Cup players and close friends to our family. Their advise has been invaluable to me. It's safe to say soccer is in my blood. As a player I am very versatile. I have been able to perform on all positions on the field, including goalkeeping. I've spent most of my club career as an outside midfielder, but also as a defender. This year I've had to step up front as the forward for my high school team. So far this season I've scored 11 goals and 4 assists. One of my strongest assets as a player is my ability to read the game and anticipate plays. One reporter coined me a " sneaky player" because of my ability to sneak up from behind to score a goal. I credit this to my speed and agility in being able to speed past most defenders from the midfield. Off the pitch I am also dedicated to my academic career. My grades have never been below a 3.2 GPA.  my entire school career.  It is currently 3.4. This is important to me since I want to peruse a career as a Dr of Physical Therapy. I come from a strong Christian upbringing. I am a member of my church youth group. On Sundays I can be found in church unless I am on the soccer pitch.