Personal Statement
One of the most important things as I move to play soccer at the next level is finding a program that will challenge me both on the field and academically. I intend to pursue a degree in biology or biochemistry as I prepare myself for graduate school. I am looking to play at a program where there is a strong sense of family between the players and coaches. I feel that having those strong connections and friendships will lead to both more success as well as a better overall experience. For me, the success of a program won't be what draws me to want to play there, most important to me are the connections within the team and the connection the team has with the rest of the student body.
I have played soccer for most of my life and my favorite memories have to come from high school soccer. While I feel like club soccer has caused me to improve more as a player as well as putting me against better opponents, nothing can compare to playing for your school. I started out on the freshman team where went undefeated and I was named captain. The next year, after having graduated fifteen seniors, I made varsity as a sophomore. I remember being so excited and proud of myself, using that as motivation to work as hard as I could throughout the year. That year, against everyone's expectations we won the league title. We were then knocked out in the first round of playoffs by Wilsonville in overtime. That loss fueled the team going into my junior year making us hungrier than ever. Returning all but one player we were named as one of the top 5A during the preseason, and we did not disappoint. We picked up our program's third conference title in a row all the while growing out support within the community. By the end of the season, we would have a student section that would chant us along with the whole game, and for the first time, we filled the stadium for soccer games. We headed into the postseason the #2 seed, meaning home games until the finals if we won. In our first game, we beat Parkrose 4-0. I rounded out the scoring in the 78th minute with a 30-yard longshot, that moment was one of the high points of the season for me. In the next game, we beat Hood River 2-0. Up next was Wilsonville, a chance for redemption and a grudge-match that promised excitement. After the first 80 minutes, the game was tied 0-0 and we headed into extra time. We played another 30-minute stalemate and moved on to penalties. It was there our season was yet again ended by Wilsonville, 4-2 on penalty kicks. I remember gathering on the field with our seniors after that loss, sitting there as a family for one final time. With covid this year I am unsure if I will be able to have one last chance at the title. I was recently named as a captian for this upcoming season if it is to happen. I am excited to start training with the team again as we head into the season with a target on our back as we go for our next title.
Thank you for the time to get to know me!
Rio Giancarlo
541-973-6809
Riogiancarlo21@gmail.com
