Cristian Goncalves '26 Recruiting Profile

    From a young age my parents emphasized the importance of taking my future seriously. From this I have learned values that not everyone may be fortunate enough to be put in the position to obtain, such as good decision making, discipline, and perseverance.

     In high school it’s very easy to fall victim to peer pressure and ultimately make poor choices in order to fit in and feel more comfortable and/or confident. I have made a conscious effort to stay aware of these pressures and to steer clear of them, as I know the potential dangers of them and trouble they can cause. Additionally, I‘ve learned to take great pride in my school work as it is not only a reflection of me but also my family. Due to this I always make time for it among the other aspects of my life in order to maintain a high GPA and membership in multiple honor societies. My parents have also taught me to continue to work hard when in pain or when nobody believes in me, as in the real world many people won’t, and if I don’t believe in myself nobody will. Finally, my coaches have taught me to be a leader and thus to protect my teammates, make sure they are comfortable, and to be positive and uplifting but also constructive towards them.

     Although sometimes my schedule may be packed or I may be tired, hurt or sick, I still stay committed to my school team, club team, teammates, and coaches even if it means just watching practice when unable to play, as I truly love the sport and I owe my success on the field to them. Without the people I have surrounded myself with I wouldn't have the opportunity to try to achieve my dream of playing soccer for a great school, so I am grateful for them.