Elena Schartner '26 Recruiting Profile

I first stepped on the soccer field to play on an actual team when I was ten years old (I know that is pretty late to the game for most people). Growing up in a household where my father and grandfather collectively have been coaching for over 65 years, I was already familiar with the game. Yet, playing rather than watching it was an entirely different experience, one that instantly captured my heart. It wasn't long before I worked my way on to a competitive team.

Soccer is a whirlwind of speed and competition, but its essence lies in teamwork. I love being on a team! It has taught me so much about other people. We are all so different. A team is a lot like a family. You learn to love your teammates despite their imperfections. You learn that sometimes what is going on in life can impact your friends on the field. You learn how best to motivate and encourage them when they need it most.

I think this is why I love defending so much too. I can see the entire field and offer support and motivation from the backlines. I play Center Back on both my high school and club teams. I am proud for not allowing any goals against for several games this year (15 shut outs for school season and 17 shutouts for club season my sophomore year). I also play outside back/wingback on my College Prep team, Tiki Taka, who plays against Florida colleges and universities. 

This game has highs and it has lows. It teaches us so much about life and has done a lot to shape me in to the person I am today. Starting and playing for Varsity both Freshman and Sophomore year of high school was a great honor and gave me a chance to play with maturity. Now taking on the role of Captain this year on my club team has deepened my understanding of leadership and responsibility, further shaping my character and values. I just love this game and I am excited to see what the future holds.

Other things about me:

- I love water. The ocean and lake are some of my favorite places to be. 

- Music has a special place in my heart. I love to play the piano and also perform in the Spring Musicals at school. 

- I love being an oldest sister. I would do anything for my siblings. My family also fostered children for almost a decade and I have two adopted brothers. This has also taught me not everyone has the same story or start to life and a family is not just being biologically related.

- I make a mean chocolate chip cookie. 

- I raise funds and support an orphanage in Haiti. I have been myself to visit a few times and love the children there.

- I take school very seriously and work hard to achieve great grades. I love learning, but I am still undecided on what to study in college. When it comes this and to the future, my ultimate desire is to align my journey with what God wants for me. 

Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me. If you'd like to connect further, please feel free to reach out.