Thomas Word '24 Recruiting Profile

I am a 6’ 0” 180 lb. junior goalkeeper from Richmond, Virginia, and I will graduate in 2024 from Collegiate School (Richmond). With the support of a terrific defensive lineup, I completed my regular high school season in the fall of 2022 with 9 shutouts, no losses, and only 5 goals scored against me.  My only loss this season occurred in the final minute of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (“VISAA”) Division 1 State Semifinals match (1-0 loss).  Collegiate completed the regular season on October 28, 2022, in 1^st place in the VISAA (Div. 1). 

On April 3, 2023, I was selected as GK for the Richmond Strikers Elite U-19 team for the 2023-24 season. My team coaches are Corey Sindle and Keagan Angevin. My goalkeeper coach is Celia Mosier. We are scheduled to play in seven showcase tournaments beginning in fall of 2023.  I am honored to have been selected as GK for this team. 

I love to compete as a member of a team.  I have been training and competing as a goalkeeper on travel club teams since 5^th grade.  My high school coach, Rob Ukrop, instilled in me his team motto, “Believe- Embrace. Encourage. Excel”.

My strengths: analyzing the game in front of me, communication, proper positioning, sure hands, distributions and encouraging my teammates. 

Soccer keeps me grounded and focused. – I manage my spare time most efficiently and have performed academically best during the fall season when I compete in both high school and travel soccer.  I am looking to attend an academically strong Division 3 college in Virginia, the Southeast, or the Mid-Atlantic where I could work hard to positively impact its soccer team.  I have not determined my major.