Tanner Nielsen '20 Recruiting Profile

Soccer is my top priority, following faith, family, and school. I began playing at four years of age, but it wasn’t my passion until my 7^th grade year after watching the 2014 World Cup. Around that time I had chosen to play competitively. Knowing that I had some work to do didn’t cause any pause in my decision. Similar to how I challenge myself academically by taking honors and AP courses, I set athletic goals and developed a plan for improvement. My commitment to this plan has resulted in becoming one of the top defenders within my age group in New Mexico. I attribute the attainment of my academic and athletic goals to my outlook on commitment and teamwork. While I diligently committed to improving my personal soccer skills on the field, it is my ability to work collaboratively with teammates that sets me apart from other players. I possess a natural ability to lead without pressure and follow with respect. This profile allows me to support individual players and my team as a whole. It has also lead to unique and valued leadership opportunities within my community. 

In my life I have been fortunate to have supportive parents and opportunity to grow and learn with likeminded peers and teammates. This support and camaraderie inspires me to continue striving for improvement and challenging myself. In my last year of high school I plan to continue as a starting defender for the varsity team and mentor my younger brother as he begins his sophomore year. I will continue to challenge myself to earn district accolades. In the classroom I will strive for continued honors and maintaining an outstanding GPA. Beyond high school I will seek a college program that combines my interests in Engineering, Computer Science, and soccer while allowing me to put forth my individual strengths and talents. A program that will benefit from my strength in fostering teamwork. A program that I can call “home” during the next academic chapter of my life.