Katie Shipley '19 Recruiting Profile

Hello my name is Katie. I'm an eighteen-year-old girl who grew up chasing her passion for soccer. On my free time I’m either working on school work or playing soccer. I go to Richlands High school, a high school in the small town of Richlands, North Carolina. For the most part I seem like a normal teenage girl chasing her dream of playing soccer in college, right? However, it’s much more than that. I mean don’t get me wrong, I’ve dreamed of playing soccer in college since I was a child, but my biggest dream is to be part of a team. Most student athletes have grown up in a more stable, single location, under the same coaches, with the same teammates, their whole life. I want to continue soccer in college to get that “team/family” bond. I want to “finally” become a full-time member of a single team. You see, I grew up with my dad in the military all eighteen years of my life. I moved every two to three years and, sure I got to see the world and new cultures from Hawaii, to California, and even to Germany, but I never truly got to be part of a team. Once I would finally come to feel part of the family, I would move once again. With that being said, I want to play soccer in college but most of all I want to be part of a soccer family that I will stay with throughout my whole college experience.

Throughout my life, I’ve transitioned amongst so many different teams; from 3 years old to 18 years old, from Hawaii to Germany and all places in between; spring, fall, winter, summer, military, civilian, American and European programs. I’ve played with some of the worst and some of the best. In almost all of these instances and because I’ve never had the time for long-term connections, I’ve had to find where I best fit. Offense, defense, roving, etc. Always the outsider coming to a new team, and leaving on military orders as soon as I start to find my stride. My past coaches, teachers, and even family friends would describe me as a very happy and positive person. Although, I get frustrated here and there, I always try to find the bright side. When it comes to my teammates, I help them look at the positive side every time. I always encourage them to do their best because we are a team and we should be there for each other no matter what. I can bring very positive and happy vibes to my teammates and coaches. Whether we lose or win I will always be there for my teammates and I will always cheer them on. One may miss a shot and I’ll say, “nice try girl you’ll get it next time.” I will never allow any of my teammates to give up and I will never allow myself to get down either. As said before I move a lot and I've never truly got the opportunity to grow up with the same friends or teammates so I would do anything to be part of a team that I can make memories with and have times together that would make up for the absence of growing up playing with the same team. On the field I can see my players’ locations, I learn their expected run routes and know where to put the ball for them. I’m most proud of my kicking strength, my assist capabilities, my ability to play anywhere, and my positive attitude. I’m least proud of my weakness in being able to call someone out for their mistakes. I feel, and most would agree, that I’m too compassionate, both on and off the field. I fear and never want to be the cause of physical or emotional pain to someone. 

Like a lot of other children my dream career was to be a singer, cook, or veterinarian, but growing up I've found that helping others is what I want to do as a career. I plan to get my degree in physical therapy and major in biology and health sciences. Athletically, I strive to be part of a team whom I can connect and enjoy playing with. I want to be part of a family that will make my college experience the best it possibly can be. Of course, there will be disagreements and times where we need a little space from each other. Finally, I would like to control that compassionate side a little; the part that says, “We can all be winners”. If someone has to lose, let it be the other side, and let me unapologetically rejoice in my win.