Samuel Zayas '26 Recruiting Profile

I believe I can compete and play for top college teams and that I also have the determination and character to succeed. I'm looking for a program to suit my athletic and academic goals and one that also shares my ambition. I am looking for an opportunity at the Division I level to get regular playing time, even if I'm a freshman. I want a chance to play so that I can showcase what I can do to help 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. I want to be in an environment with driven, like-minded people who work hard to achieve their goals. 

Getting back on the field after being injured for 6 months was the best feeling I've had ever in soccer. However, missing those 6 months in '22 and another 6 months the year before taught me the most important lessons. My time out taught me how much I truly love soccer and how much I wanted to play. 

I have experience playing at a high level abroad as I helped anchor the backline of my team to the semifinal of the Donosti Cup in 2022. Domestically, I have played at both the MLS NEXT and NAL levels. Being captain of most of my teams over the years has helped me create a championship mentality that creates winning teams.