Aditya Dhanraj '24 Recruiting Profile

"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." Soccer isn't simply a game or sport to me: it's life, love, passion, and so much more. It is simply a blessing to have the ball at my feet, stand on any pitch, be with my teammates who are my friends and family, and wear my cleats. In the end, talent without hard work is nothing. I work hard to achieve success and for the journey, and I endeavor to play at high levels and go professional too! I work to be the best in everything I do. Whether it's on or off the pitch, I give it my all in everything I do and always attempt to make something good out of every experience primarily in the form of learning as I strive to develop as an athlete and a person.

My name is Aditya Dhanraj. I began playing soccer when I was 5, and it has been a passion of mine ever since. I played on a club team from 2015 to 2021 and middle school B team in the seventh grade (2018-2019). In the past few years, I have played for multiple teams, some being together and some being separate: BVB-IA ECNL RL-NTX 06B from 2022-2023, Solar SC from 2021-2022 in CCSAI Classic League Division One and Two, Newcastle Elite Academy from 2021-2022 in National Premier League (NPL), and North Texas 06 ODP from 2021-2022 as well as from 2019 to 2020. I currently play for FC Dallas RL-NTX White B06, and I also play for my high-school team. I have been a Junior-Varsity starter my freshman and sophomore years (2020-2022) and was the captain of our team in the 2021-2022 season. I then played at the Varsity level my junior year (2022-2023). I attended Rock Hill High School here in Prosper ISD from 2020-2023, but will be attending Walnut Grove High School also here in Prosper ISD for my senior year (2023-2024) as the school's inaugural opening is this fall.

Within a team, I bring leadership, motivation, effort, and so much more. I not only bring these, but I also bring myself. I bring my competitive mentality, optimistic attitude, and determination to win and develop. I want what's best for the team which is not only a group of athletes and people but a close family. In everything I do, I work to be the best, grow, and learn. In 2019 and at the ODP friendlies against South Texas, I demonstrated my strength and capability to support myself and the team. Near the end of the first half, I got fouled and sprained my wrist. It began to throb and hurt to an extent where I was in pain, felt nauseous, and was unable to move my wrist much. I was then taken off where I spoke to the coaches and came to the verdict that I would stay, finish the game, and support the team. Throughout the match, the pain worsened, but I stayed strong and continued. I supported and motivated the team through my words and through my performance, working to the maximum of my ability. We had won the match, but I suffered an injury which remained an obstacle for a few weeks too! However, I continued to support the team. Whether it's academically, or athletically, I put in the effort. I am currently near the top of my class and maintain a high standard for my grades, GPA, class rank, and so on. I believe I am a great asset in everything I participate in by putting in the effort, doing what is best for myself and others, learning and developing, helping others on and off the field, making the right choices, and bringing myself.