Eli Rawls '27 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing soccer since I was about one and a half and played in games the first chance I got. Ever since I heard of playing in college, I have thought about it every day and have aspired to it since I was young. I know playing at the collegiate level is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I would be forever grateful if I get that chance.

I am a very composed center back who can distribute out the back very well and efficiently, whether under pressure or not. I have great passing skills and have a strong mindset on and off the pitch. I'm very coachable and adaptable with my game. I work hard in and out of training and use every opportunity I have to get in better condition on my own.

I play soccer year-round and get better whenever I can and throughout my life have played on the highest level offered including UPSL, MLS-NEXT, NPL, NCYSA and more. I played up to three sports in middle school, including basketball and baseball.

I work hard in the classroom and maintain a steady GPA and will continue to grow throughout high school. I learned a lot from my freshman year and plan to make sure my academics will only get better. I have volunteered at soccer camps for my club, up to 30 hours one summer.

One accomplishment that I am very proud of was my comeback from a broken tibia. I broke my tibia on February 11th, 2024. It was broken in a big tackle during an MLS Next game. I was put in a cast and crutches, not able to put any weight on it for 6 weeks, barely avoiding surgery. I was very patient with this process and took it one step at a time, like first getting off crutches. Next, I was in a boot for around 4 weeks, then finally the boot got removed and I could walk. Soon after, I started running progressions, jumping progressions, and all of those things with lots of physical therapy. Then, just in time for high school tryouts, I was ready and made the Varsity team as a Sophomore. This whole process was a huge bump in the road for me, but I overcame it to the best of my ability, which I am very proud of. 

I want to attend a college that can serve me well In soccer and also advance my academic goals. I want a soccer team that competes very well and has great energy and a great team, but I also want an education that can help me succeed after my college days. I'm looking for competitive academics that I'm motivated for, but not so stressful that they will interfere with my soccer at the same time.