Sam O’Brien '24 Recruiting Profile

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmQrkXAl4-6ealex6-pgMYQ 

NCAA ID#2111382875

I have a will to compete.  As a multi-year Captain, Midfielder, and Center Back for my Premier level team - Team Challenger Football Club (TCFC), I have learned the skills, soccer IQ, and in-game anticipation that allow me to lead one of the stingiest defenses, in my region of the country.  I grew up playing a possession, build-from-the-back style of play under my National Championship Head Coach Oliver Condell.  We value the ball and emphasize touch and options throughout all areas of the field.  I lead an aggressive attacking backline that compresses the opponent’s offensive third and I have man-marked some of the best offensive threats, in the country, in my age group.  My efforts have been recognized within the region by being named to the Best XI - First Team twice.   

I began my high school career in 2020.  This gave me the opportunity to face new challenges and styles of play.  During my Freshman year, I began the season as a JV Captain and had the opportunity to earn swing playing time with our Varsity team.  A third of the way through the Fall campaign, I relinquished my Captain “C” as I had earned a starting Varsity role as Defensive Midfielder.  I remained a starter the rest of the year, including through three playoff rounds ending the season as a District Finalist.   

As a Sophomore, I had taken a more pronounced role in our Offensive end, playing both Attacking Mid and Forward during the season, I was the leading scorer for Buckeye High School and ended the regular season ranked 2nd in the county.  The team again advanced to the District Finals.  Post-season, I was named 1st Team All-Gazette, 2nd Team All-Conference, and Honorable Mention All-District.  During this same period, I also achieved a 3.8 GPA and I maintain a 3.7 cumulative GPA.  

I was named Captain as an underclassman during my Junior year.  For the regular season, I accomplished 21 goals (50% of all scoring for my team) with 6 assists.  While on a 12-game scoring streak entering into post-season play, I led my team to the Conference Final where we played the #2 ranked team in the state.  I was awarded 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All Greater Cleveland, 1st Team All-Conference, and Athlete of the Week.  I was ranked 3rd in scoring in my region.  During the Spring, I once again Captained my Premier I Club.  This season, we went 13 - 3, finished Runner-Up in the State Cup, and by winning the GLC we qualified for the Midwest Regional Championships for the first time.  We placed 2nd in our bracket going 2-1-0 at Regionals.  Over the last 5 games (State knock-out rounds and Regionals) when we were behind, I was moved to Attacking-Mid late in the games.  During those limited windows, I had 2 game-tying goals, in the final 3 minutes, 4 total goals, and a game-winning assist.