Hannah Cumming '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Hannah Cumming, and I am currently a senior at Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine, California.  I am writing this personal statement because I want to play soccer in college.  There are a few things that motivate me to want to play soccer in college, I have put in the effort to make this dream a reality, and I am looking forward to the opportunities in front of me.

Let me share what motivates me to want to play soccer in college. I recognize and appreciate the opportunities that were given to me at an early age. I am the oldest of three kids and have two younger brothers. My parents have been married for 23 years, and I was fortunate to go to the same private school from kindergarten to eighth grade. I have a strong faith in God, solid people in my life, and this combination has given me the ability to stay grounded.  Stability, consistency, and love are the benchmarks of my years growing up. I am thankful for this foundation because it will serve me well in the years to come. 

I started playing sports at an early age.  I played soccer, basketball, ran track, and was on the swim team.  When I was young, I realized there was something a little different about me when it came to sports. I was the girl that competed with the boys and generally won.  I was often told by friends, teachers, and parents that I was a “natural athlete” and I was recognized through the years with many athletic-related awards. 

I started playing club soccer in third grade.  Even though the name of the club has changed a few times, I am have been on the same club soccer the entire time. I was asked to play up a year shortly after starting and have always been one of the younger girls on my team. I have always been a starter, and my coach tends to move me around on the field because, as he tells me, I am a smart player, I have a good understanding of the game, and can play just about anywhere. I have been one of the leading goal scorers and leaders of assists on the team for years.   

Playing soccer at Crean Lutheran High School has been a great experience. I was asked to play on the varsity soccer team as a freshman.  By the end of the year, I set a school record for scoring the most goals in one season for the girls’ soccer program. I was also selected as the offensive MVP and chosen to be on the first team for my league.  

During my sophomore and junior years, I was the leading goal scorer on the varsity team.  In my junior year, I was selected as one of three captains and received the offensive player award. 

Now, as a senior, I am the team captain again for a second year.  It is a role I am thankful for, and I am looking forward to growing as a leader.

Sports are fun, but academics are essential. I currently have a 4.1 GPA and received Crean’s scholar-athlete award my freshman, sophomore, and junior years. I also play the guitar and piano in Crean’s praise band.  The mix of sports, academics, and music has been a source of balance. 

So, why do I want to play soccer in college? I want to play soccer in college because I enjoy playing the game.  I enjoy the competition, the friendships with teammates, and being part of a team.  Soccer has taught me to be disciplined, focused, and to be thoughtful to the needs of others. Soccer has given me the opportunity to play with kids at homeless shelters and become actively involved in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes).

In short, I am not ready to hang up my cleats.  Rather, all my years of playing soccer have prepared me to play on a much larger stage, and I am ready for it. 

As for life after soccer and college, I am not exactly sure yet.  What I do know is having the opportunity to play soccer at the college level will be the result of years of effort that I will use in whatever profession I choose to pursue.