Will Whelan '26 Recruiting Profile

My name is Will Whelan, and I am a striker and captain for the Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Games team, proudly wearing number 10. As a right-footed attacker standing at 5’10”, I’ve developed a strong presence through my scoring ability, physical power, and leadership. My soccer career has been marked by challenges, but it’s ultimately defined by my ability to overcome them.

At 16 years old, I can proudly say that I’ve been playing and cherishing the sport of soccer since I could walk. Over the years, I’ve played various positions, including the 7, 11, 10, and even the 4/5 during practice, but my primary role is as a 9. If you asked me what type of striker I am, I’d ask you, “What do you need?” I’ve played as a false 9, a target man, and most frequently as a get-in-behind striker, which is what I do best. Throughout my career, I’ve scored many goals—some more meaningful than others—but every goal is special to me. I’ve joint won the Golden Boot as top scorer in the Premier Youth League in Newfoundland while playing with older players, and I’ve won it outright in numerous tournaments, with my most memorable achievement being at Atlantics in 2022. However, my proudest accomplishment is representing my province and having the honor of captaining such a talented group. I’ve played for the Mount Pearl Soccer Association for multiple years while also competing on our provincial team, and I recently joined our Canada Games High-Performance Program, where I’ve been named captain of both teams. I’m also proud to have been a part of the Whitecaps Academy Program and trained with the 2006-born Whitecaps in 2023.

Top-tier coaching has made me smarter and more tactically sound. I am confident in leading a press or a block and setting the tempo for my team. This tactical understanding, combined with my natural leadership on the field, allows me to guide my team effectively in both offensive and defensive situations.

As a striker, I bring a unique perspective when on defense, allowing me to see everything unfolding on the field. I’m naturally vocal and use my voice to guide and motivate my team. I believe that being vocal is an underrated aspect of today’s game, yet it’s crucial for achieving success. My coach, Mark Marshall, shared with me that during individual interviews, many of my teammates mentioned me when asked, “Who has impacted your soccer life the most over the past 18 months?” They highlighted how I push everyone to be the best they can be. I’ve always been highly competitive, constantly striving to be my best and helping my team win, no matter the circumstances. Coaches from around the world have recognized my determination to improve and my coachability. While training with West Bromwich Albion’s academy, a coach pulled me aside to commend my coachability, emphasizing that it’s a rare quality that can’t be taught, and encouraged me to keep it up.

Following my Grade 10 year at Gonzaga Regional High School, I’m working toward my goal of entering the medical field, with a specific interest in sports medicine. In my Grade 10 year, I finished with a 91.8 GPA and am determined to improve even further in the coming years. At Gonzaga, I was a part of the soccer team, hockey team, and athletic committee, and I would have loved to join the track and field team if I hadn’t been in Florida for a soccer tournament.

Balancing school and sports is crucial for me as an athlete with aspirations of going to college. Excelling in both areas not only strengthens my college applications but also proves that I can handle the demands of being a student-athlete at the collegiate level. This balance also ensures that I’m prepared for life after college, whether that involves pursuing a professional athletic career or another path. It’s about building a foundation that supports both my athletic dreams and academic goals, making me a well-rounded candidate for college programs.

My long-term goals include attending a prep school for my 12th grade year and then enrolling in a college with a strong soccer program and a robust medicine program. I believe I’m a strong fit for colleges because I embody the qualities that make a successful student-athlete: dedication, discipline, and a relentless drive to excel. My experience balancing high-level athletics with rigorous academics has taught me how to manage my time effectively, stay organized, and perform under pressure. Coaches and educators alike have recognized my coachability and willingness to learn—traits that will help me adapt and thrive in a collegiate environment. My commitment to both my sport and my studies demonstrates that I’m not just focused on short-term success, but on building a future where I can contribute meaningfully to a college team while also pursuing academic excellence.

In conclusion, I’m eager to bring my passion, dedication, and leadership to a college program where I can continue to grow as both an athlete and a student. My commitment to balancing academics and athletics has not only prepared me for the challenges of college life but has also fueled my drive to excel in both areas. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team that values hard work, determination, and a winning mentality. I am confident that my skills, work ethic, and desire to push myself and my teammates to be the best will make me a valuable asset to your program. I look forward to the possibility of being a part of your college community and taking the next step in my journey.