Isabella (Isa) McDonough '24 Recruiting Profile

My commitment to my family, faith and character are the most important things that motivate me in my life. I've worked hard to establish realistic objectives and accomplish both my short- and long-term goals; to learn and achieve as much as possible, being a successful and responsible member of my community. One thing my family has instilled in me is open-mindedness. Every situation in life is a learning opportunity; whether in the classroom, on the field or helping a friend.

In my academic career, I have consistently excelled. While I feel that A’s came rather easy before high school, Cardinal Spellman offered me a chance to challenge myself with Honors and AP courses on top of my busy schedule which includes Club Soccer, Travel Soccer, Competitive Dance, Cardinal Spellman Musical and Dance team and other seasonal extracurricular activities. While there was a period of adjustment in my first few months of high school, a strong work ethic combined with time management allowed me to get back to the A standard I was used to.

As an athlete, I have always been a student of the game. Athletics have taught me teamwork, focus, determination, and gratitude, which are lessons I can apply in everyday life. Whether it was playing Soccer or competing in Dance, I’ve always had the opportunity to compete at a very high level. With respect to my competitive dancing, I started with my company when I was 3 years old. By the time I was 7, I was moved to the competitive dance team to compete in national competitions. Given the median age of the team was 15 and there has been no one under the age of 12 selected during my 12 years with my company, I was honored to be selected. Our team has won top national awards more than 10 times. I was moved to lead to lead dancer in the company when I was 13 and continue in that position. I thrived both on the dancing itself, but also the process of learning, refining and mastering skills; an approach that has always served me well.

This approach was also paramount in my Soccer career. I started playing when I was 3 and fell in love with every part of the game straight away. I joined Liverpool Futbal Club (formerly CSU) at the age of 8 and was moved up to the 2005 Elite Honors team when I was 9. While one of my reasons for wanting to play up was to be with friends and talented soccer players on the 2005 team, unbeknownst to me, those years helped me build skills and determination I may not have had if my coaches and parents did not challenge me in an environment I could be successful in. Raised as a central defender, I continued to move up the pitch in various positions, finding my home as both an offensive center mid and striker. I’ve always had the ability to score, both from distance and in the box. My coaches tell me I am very calm in traffic and make very good decisions. Vision on the field and work rate is what I think is my strongest attribute. Having played all the positions has taught me to learn the game from different angles and anticipate openings and opportunities very quickly. Everyone loves to score goals, as do I, but I also take great pride in owning the middle of the field offensively and defensively and threading that perfect pass to someone making a run. I continued on 2005 Elite Honors teams with LFC, NEFC and GPS until I was 14, playing against the top teams in New England.  When GPS went bankrupt, I tried out with the two most competitive clubs I have played against - South Shore Select and Scorpions. I was offered a spot on with Scorpions shortly after a tryout. 15 minutes into a tryout with South Shore Select Executive Director, Steve McCauliffe, I was offered a position on their Elite Honors team, which became the newly-formed Impact team where I have played since. Select has been a tremendous club for me as a soccer player and as a young adult. I've taken advantage of all the extra benefits Select has offered including training (1v1 moves, finishing, speed, ball mastery, first-touch, decision making and defensive clinics, all which were Director-invite only) and Seminars (leadership development program, community service/mentoring, soccer IQ, health & wellness and soccer psychology). 

I've been a member of the Bridgewater Youth Soccer Association Junior Board Association, a youth referee, an assistant coach and led weekly skills clinics for BYSA's U8 and U10 players. While I love the beautiful game, the family soccer environment I've grown up in has been a constant source of strength. I've played on my town's travel A team every year since I was 10, becoming the captain two years ago. 

In 2019, I was awarded the Bridgewater Scott Walker award by the Bridgewater Youth Soccer Association, which is given out to one male and female player for ‘embodying the character that inspires others in the quality of good sportsmanship’. While winning tournament and league trophies are rewarding, this award meant the most to me.

Having a chance to not only attend a competitive college, but also to represent them on the soccer pitch would provide an incredible next challenge/opportunity in my life. While I’m proud of the person I have become to this point, I’ve learned that life can be whatever you make it. Setting and achieving goals, continuing to learn from every opportunity and always giving back to those around you has been solidified in my DNA. I hope I have the chance to become part of your school, your soccer team, and your community. I’m confident I would be a valuable asset to all three.