Personal Statement
Soccer has been my passion since the time I could walk. In fact, even before I could walk I would hold on to a toy table in our basement and kick a soccer ball while my parents worked. For as long as I can remember I've had a soccer ball at my feet and have been committed to being the best player I can be. I have played Premier club soccer since the age of 7, and during that time have learned to play almost every position on the field--starting as a CAM and shifting to Outside Back before finally finding my "home" in Defensive Misfield and Defense, where I get to do everything I love: see the entire field, organize and support my teammates, control the tempo of the game, use physicality to disrupt opposition play, start the transition to attack, and break lines in the opposing defense. I have also had the opportunity to "play up" since US Soccer's age switch a few years ago, playing against guys who are almost a year older and in most cases ahead of me in school. This has prepared me well to play at the next level.
Looking ahead to college, my goals are to continue to progress and develop as a player and to leave a lasting mark on my school's program. I don't want to be any other student-athlete who comes through the program and then moves on. Instead, I want to leave a permanent legacy on the school and the program by being a leader on and off the field and helping the team achieve the most it possibly can. I am willing to do anything to achieve that goal, and know it will mean pouring my heart and soul into every game and training session--plus being a positive representative of the school and team off the field.
Soccer has made me who I am today. It has inspired me to reach my full potential not only as an athlete but as a student and person. It has shown me that anything worth doing is worth doing to the best of your ability (this is why I've pushed myself not only on the field but in the classroom, opting to take as many honors classes as possible even when there was an easier path to good grades). It has taught me the value and power of hard work. It has opened my eyes to the wider world by giving me an opportunity to train in Europe with non-Americans (at the West Ham Academy, where I've been invited to train 3 times starting at age 9). It has taught me to never, ever give up--even in the face of adversity. It has helped me to become a leader and taught me the power of loyalty to my teammates, club, and the people I love. But I am not done; I am just getting started. As Kobe Bryant said: "I'll rest at the end, not in the middle."
