Ruslan Semenko '21 Recruiting Profile

I've been playing soccer for as long as I could remember. Being born in Ukraine where the sport is played everywhere you go, I was practically obligated to play soccer, and I do not regret it one bit. Once my family and I flew over to live our lives in New York, everywhere I went I had a soccer ball at my feet. I grew up in an area where everyone played basketball, which annoyed me as I was usually the only one at school who wanted to play soccer during my free time. My father being a huge soccer fan, I was constantly exposed to the game, whether it was watching the World Cup on TV or it was playing it near the playground near my house with my friends. I started playing organized soccer at 4 years old. I remember crying my eyes out after a tournament when my friend scored two goals and I only managed to score one. My determination to rise above the rest and work hard has come to be at a young age and I still keep these aspects with me today.

Over the years I have gained much experience with the beautiful game. In recent years I have traveled to Barcelona, Spain to play in the MIC Tournament (arguably the highest tier tournament in the world) and gratefully had the opportunity to compete and watch Spanish Youth Academies such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, as well as train in Valencia CF's training facilities by their youth coaches. In 2018,  I also had the opportunity to fly back to my home country of Ukraine to compete against some of their best youth academies. This is where I cherish the best memory I've ever had regarding soccer when I got to captain my side against the second-best youth team in Ukraine, FC Karpaty Lviv, at the Lviv Arena (4th biggest stadium in the country). We went on to win against the academy, and although I disappointingly hit the crossbar on a freekick, I don't think I've ever been happier in my life when that final whistle blew.

What separates me from other athletes is my huge passion for the sport. I cannot see myself leaving it and feel that the day I leave it will be one of the worst days of my life. I am always determined to be the best athlete I can be and am always motivated to help my team win.  Off the field, I like to consider myself as a humble individual who is open to new things. I work hard in the classroom as I also have a passion for business, as I currently run my own website where I sell soccer-themed products such as phone cases and lamps. I have always made my grades and education a high priority, as I understand how important they are regarding my future.  My academic goals are to get into a prestigious college to continue studying the wide world of business and economics, where I'd possibly be able to open up my own business.  I am looking to attend a college that can help me achieve high goals in education and soccer.