Neal Challa '26 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing soccer as long as I can remember, before I could even kick a ball. I always wanted to improve to be the best player I could be. Growing up, I would watch soccer on TV and then I would always go outside and try to replicate what I had seen in the backyard. This method gave me a unique view on the game which I still have today- allowing me to effortlessly play just about any position on the field. Soccer has helped me grow my character, teaching me perseverance and how to learn through losses. My biggest obstacle has always been my selflessness on the field- I was always the "passer" and at a young age, this wasn't necessarily the best thing, yet as I improved my passing ability has remained intact, and now my selflessness is more a virtue than an obstacle. .

Academically, I have always had the highest expectations for myself throughout school and that remains as a sophomore in high school, as referenced by my 4.3 GPA and my place in the Governor's STEM Academy. In high school, I aim to remain in the top 15 in my class by continuing to take AP, STEM, and honors classes. At the collegiate level, I hope to take my academics to the next level and study something in business analytics, data science, or finance. 

Furthermore, I'm proud of my perseverance throughout the COVD-19 pandemic to continue developing and growing as a player and person. At a pivotal age in my soccer development, not being able to play competitively for almost a year a major issue. However, I adapted, utilizing my backyard and playroom as makeshift practice fields. Over this time, I practiced and managed to grow as a unique player. Currently, I am a well-rounded player capable of playing all over the field (Attacking mid is my favorite position) with my best traits being my passing ability through short passing and vision, positioning in both the attacking and defensive phases, and coachability- I am very adaptable as a player. I also have a good weak foot and a notable aerial presence.

Balancing a rigorous academic workload and playing soccer at such a high level has been difficult, but it has taught me tremendous time management and organization, which have now become two of my strongest skills. I believe that these skills will serve me well, playing and studying at the next level in a rigorous academic environment and a competitive, high-level athletic domain.