Manek Gerhardy '26 Recruiting Profile

This is Manek Gerhardy, I've heard often that my "soccer IQ" is off the charts in my precision with getting the ball where it needs to go, whether that's in the net or as part of the chain to get to the net.  It's  interesting to think of the term 'soccer IQ' as a skill because soccer has been my passion since I was a little kid watching Bundesliga with my Dad, and taking shots at a tiny goal in our backyard for hours at a time.  Over time, the backyard goal got bigger and soccer has not only shaped me as an athlete,  but also a person who is determined, disciplined, and on a constant mission to do my absolute best.

My soccer journey has been blessed with the great Coaches and parents.  With their guidance and support, I have been able to refine my skills through many hours of practices, games, and tournaments. To me, soccer is more than just a game; it is a mirror image of my personality. I value the importance of being a team, and the ability to bounce back when things don’t go the way I want them to, not just on the field. This has made me not only a stronger competitor but also a better person. This is reflected in the soccer players that I aim to follow; from Jamal Musiala’s footwork that enables him to be a precise link between defense and attack to Pele’s unmatchable achievements both on and off the field.

One of the most significant achievements in my soccer career has been my consistent performance at the highest level. I have the privilege of competing in elite tournaments, such as the ECNL tournaments, E64 Playoffs, ODP Playoffs, and various camps where I faced some of the most talented players from around the country. These experiences have and will continue to push me to elevate my game and strive for excellence.

But it's not just about the awards and accomplishments; it's about the passion I have for the sport and the desire to continue my soccer journey in college. I am not only looking for a university to further develop my athletic and academic goals.

As a student-athlete, I understand the importance of balancing my commitment to soccer with my dedication to academics. I have maintained a strong GPA,  while juggling the demands of mostly honors classes+8 years of rigorous training schedules and competitions for both my club team (Steel City FC, formerly called Arsenal FC) and my school’s varsity team as a starter since I was a freshman.  I am confident that my work ethic and time management skills will enable me to excel both on the field and in the classroom at the college level.

What excites me most about the prospect of playing college soccer is the opportunity to contribute to a team, to be a part of something bigger than myself. I am eager to learn from experienced coaches, push my limits, and help my team succeed on the pitch.

In conclusion, I am not just a soccer player; I am a student-athlete who is ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that college soccer has to offer. I am determined to make a positive impact both as a player and as a member of the university community. I look forward to the chance to represent your program with dedication and integrity.

In addition to my NCSA profile, you can find more highlights of me in action at https://proscore.soccer/player/ManekGerhardy5e1628.  Thank you for considering my profile, and I am excited about the possibility of becoming a valuable member of your soccer program.