Carson Essad '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Carson Essad and I am from Northeast Ohio. I have been playing soccer since I was five years old and I am ready to take my talents to the next level. I want a school that I can prosper both athletically and academically. My personal drive and dedication is what sets me apart from other people; I train both before and after practice—even on Thanksgiving Day. 

The NCSA questionnaire asked me if I had a secondary position. I wrote defensive midfielder, and while I am good with my feet and enjoy playing the field for fun, I am all goalkeeper. I spend a lot of time studying other goalkeepers and their styles, and I am even a member of a goalkeeping website that is less about training but more a tribute to the position. And as stated, I train hard. In addition to my club and high school practices, I make it a point to train on my own. On top of that, I drive 60 miles twice a week to train  with a specialty goalkeeper coach. I have found that experience extremely fun as well as educational. It is nice to be around other goalkeepers, and the step-up in training that I get from this higher level drives me in a way that I had not experienced before.

Although I have played other D1 high school sports (basketball and football as the K/P), soccer is my real love. In soccer I am a leader both on and off the field—I was chosen as captain as a junior—and always push myself and my teammates to be better. The interactions and back-and-forth with coaches is also enjoyable to me, as well as helping me to improve. But more importantly, I excel in the classroom and understand the need for education which will shape the way for my future. I will work as hard at academics as I will on the field. I love soccer and will bring a source of passion and skill to the program.