Mary ("Libby") Anderson '22 Recruiting Profile

My approach to soccer, and my life plan in general, might be summed up in the term “versatility.” I spent the majority of my early club career, and my first year in the ODP player pool, playing as a center back, with reps at both right and left outside back, and, to a lesser extent, defensive and center midfielder. In fall 2016, I requested the opportunity to try out as goalkeeper for both my club team and ODP. By the end of fall 2016, I earned the starting goalkeeper position for my club team, and earned a position on the ODP state team, including an invitation to 2017 Region III Trials. I also became the starting goalkeeper for my middle school team in winter 2017, keeping twelve consecutive “clean sheets."  During this time, I continued to play for my club and school at defensive midfielder, and center- and outside back when not in goal.  At the 2017 Memphis Interregionals, I started one of three matches at goalkeeper for Alabama and came on in the second half of another match, again not yielding any goals. I posted an additional "clean sheet" in the final game of the 2017 Region III Trials. However, with other talented goalkeepers at our disposal, I was asked, and played, for the first time at any level, right and left winger at both the interregional and regional competitions.  I was selected to the Huntsville High School Freshman Team, as an eighth grader and as the starting striker, scored twice in my debut against a local JV rival and ultimately led my team in goals over the season before being named Most Valuable Player - Offense.   I returned to center back for both my club and high school teams my freshman year, before shifting to outside back my sophomore year.  My junior year has consisted of time at center and full back - both left and right - and forward and striker, depending on my teams' need for a particular game.  I was awarded my high school teams leadership award my sophomore year, and I am presently serving as high school team captain for the second consecutive year.

I believe my having played the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 11 positions at some of the higher youth levels suggests a versatility to do what is necessary to contribute to the success of my team, and myself, not only I soccer, but in all endeavors moving forward.  To that end, I am, at present, looking to move into the medical field, but am open to colleges throughout the country, and even internationally, so as to ensure proper fit. Meanwhile, I continue to focus on academics, maintaining straight A’s to date, and leadership, while improving my soccer game through cross-training.

Thank you for taking the time to read my personal statement,

Libby