Madelyn Grassi '19 Recruiting Profile

The spring of my freshman year was the first time since I was seven I didn't play soccer. I was not happy. I watched my four younger siblings head out to the soccer pitch every weekend, and I was surprised at just how much I missed the game. I have played at least three sports as long I can remember, and while soccer was always my favorite, I loved each and every athletic experience, even playing baseball with the boys. Now, with my passion for soccer stronger than ever, there is a part of me that wishes I had focused more on the game when I was younger. However, there is another part of me that thinks the variety I have maintained not only athletically, but academically and socially, makes me a better candidate for a college team. 

I had the honor of being captain of my freshmen soccer and basketball teams, and was thrilled to be a starter on my freshmen lacrosse team -- in a town that produces a lot of college lacrosse players. The fall of sophomore year I made the NPL NJ Crush FC team, and loved the experience of being a part of that club. That same year, I started on the Varsity soccer team at Ridgewood High School and Junior Varsity lacrosse team. I loved working with mentally handicapped people last summer and the summer before at Camp ANCHOR, and was able to use a lot of that experience while coaching at a special needs soccer program in the fall. I was honored to be elected VP of my class this year and last, and am staying busy with other school clubs as well. I consider myself really fortunate to have this balance in my life and to be surrounded by people I admire on the field and off. On every team I have been a part of, I have tried to contribute with a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and improve. I plan on bringing each of these attributes to a college soccer program as well.