Maria Duran-Velazquez '24 Recruiting Profile

Hello Coaches! I am Maria Duran-Velazquez, I'm 17 years old and I am currently beginning my last season of high school soccer at the varsity level. I was born and currently live in San Diego, California. My Dream ever since I can remember has been to play soccer for an amazing school. Soccer has been my passion ever since I was able to pick up a soccer ball, as the only person in my family who is an athlete I take pride in everything I do and always give it my 110% Although I began my soccer journey as a forward, switching to goalkeeper was the best choice I could have ever made, Goalkeeping has not made me stronger physically but also mentally.

I have a great vision of the field, playing balls into spaces that are open or playing it simple from the back to have the best outcome of a play is always something key I do. With my loud voice, I help my teammates by letting them know what I see or the gaps to look out for when playing. Being a teammate who is there to pick others up is one of my favorite things to do because I understand how tough playing can be. I have great handling, diving, setting, and angle awareness and it's always something I am working to improve.

Working hard on the field is not the only thing I am capable of doing, In the classroom I am sure to maintain a high GPA, and have the privilege to be enrolled in the National Honors Society I also currently need only 1 one semester worth of credits to be confirmed to graduate with honors from my high school, which would make me the first in my family to graduate in white. Outside the classroom I have worked 2 jobs to help my family in any way possible, on the night of my 16th birthday I took the opportunity to apply to as many jobs as I could. Working at Sesame Place San Diego and In-N-Out taught me the value of earning money and working in a team environment outside of sports. During my time at In-N-Out, I had the accomplishment of earning a raise and leveling up because of my hard work and dedication. 

Staying Active Year round is something I dedicate myself to, this year Flag Football was introduced as a CIF official sport that I participated in. I spent hours practicing to earn my spot as a starting quarterback on the Varsity team, and having the honor of being one of the captains for my high school's ever flag football team was a great accomplishment. I also earned a spot on the 1st team of the Metro Pacific All-League. In the off-season, I make sure to go to the gym daily or on a run. There is never a time when I am not thinking of ways to improve. 

Thank you so much for your time