Michael Gasparino '20 Recruiting Profile

Being a goalkeeper allows me to express the traits that help define me both as a player and as a person: My calmness in the face of adversity has been widely noticed by fellow players and coaches. For example, if I let in a goal, I will not dwell on it and have it ruin the rest of my game, but instead I move on and focus on the next play and get my team back in the game mentally.

Leadership is another area that I believe is a strength and where my coaches have noticed. When you are playing keeper, leadership is vital because one of your jobs as is to command your defense and to make sure everyone on the field is on the same page. I take pride in my ability to communicate to my teammates and keep them organized and focused on the situation at hand.

I am constantly working hard to improve my game and develop as both a player and as a student.  In high school I was a four-year varsity player, a three-year starter, and a two-time captain and All-Conference nominee. I was named my league’s top goalie as a senior and helped my high school win its first league title since 1991.

I missed the spring 2019 club season due to a fractured wrist, and while it was frustrating to be out, the experience taught me patience and motivated me to come back stronger and work harder than ever.

Not only do I want to continue playing soccer in college, I want to be able to lead a team to greater heights in the same way I have been able to do with my school and club teams. I have high aspirations on the pitch and am excited about majoring in finance and being a success in the future.

My drive and focus has helped my achieve what I have worked for so far, and I look forward to continuing that success at the college level.