Imani Anzaya '24 Recruiting Profile

Habari (hello in Swahili) Coaches, My name is Imani Nellie Anzaya, but you can call me Mani for short. I am not your average soccer player; in fact, I started getting serious about soccer rather late. I began playing when I was 10 years old, which may not sound late, but it feels that way when you are suddenly placed on a team with girls who have been playing since they could walk. My love for the sport started when my brother started playing club. I followed everything my brother did, from the people he hung out with to the sports he played, and to this day, he is one of the most influential people in my life (but don't tell him that he will get cocky). I did not realize I was destined to be a goalkeeper until I started club soccer. I was thrown in there and told to stop the ball from entering the net, and that is what I did. Through countless hours and an amazing support system, I've gotten to where I am now. However, I have not reached my peak; in fact, I feel that I am far from it. I have so much more to learn, and with the right support and leadership, I feel I can do just that. Nevertheless, balance is key in life, and my life has more depth to it than stopping a ball from entering a net for 90 minutes. Quick facts about me are that I love spending time with my friends and family, I have a very goofy personality, I love music with a passion, and I love videotaping and capturing moments whenever I can. I am well involved in my school and community; this includes the Diversity Leadership Council, President of the Black Student Union, Elevation E-kidz, and coaching Kenyan kids in my community. Aside from serving, I also have academic and athletic achievements that align with my service; these include membership in the National Honor Society, the French National Honor Society, and All-Region 2023. Thank you for hearing me out. I cannot wait to make one of your colleges my second home!