Samuel Zayas '26 Recruiting Profile

My goal is to be a key contributor on and off the field at a top level athletic and academic program. I want to be in an environment with other driven, like-minded people who work hard to achieve their goals. I know I have the passion, determination and character to help my team succeed while further pursuing my dream of playing professionally after college.

I feel comfortable playing anywhere across the backline but I have the most experience playing as a center-back and right-back. I have played at the MLS NEXT and NAL levels. I have experience playing at a high level abroad as I helped anchor the backline of my team to the semifinal of the 2022 Donosti Cup. In addition, I have played at high levels internationally while in Barcelona from August 2024 until January 2025.

I fashion my championship mentality from years of leading on and off the field. I understand that my style of leadership has as much to do with my on field communication as it does with setting the tone through my aggressive mindset and intelligent physicality. I also believe camaraderie creates both the collective courage and close bonds necessary to build teamwork. It is the collective team mentality, more than being a collection of individual leaders, that compels a person to selflessly step up when called upon and to earn the team’s trust that they will be accountable.

Getting back on the field after being injured my freshman year was one of the best feelings I've had in soccer. It taught me the value of always getting back up no matter how many times you get knocked down. The experience helped shape my determination to achieve my goals and reinforce how much I truly love soccer.