Caroline Bunker '20 Recruiting Profile

As I consider my options after high school, I have been reflecting on what has brought me to this milestone.  There are many things that I am certain of; number one, I love the game of soccer and want to continue playing at the collegiate level.  My journey to the next stage of my life has not been easy.  My freshman year of high school (2016), I broke my collar bone in the second high school soccer scrimmage of the year.  I made it back for the final 4 games of the season, and I experienced success when I returned, but little makes up for lost time. 

In April 2017, I faced my biggest obstacle as an athlete. I was excited for the spring club season, but that was cut short by a torn ACL. I was determined to come back even stronger.  The 2017 fall high school soccer season was long, as I spent the season on the sidelines for the football team as a student athletic trainer.  October 17 , 2017 (5 months post-surgery) was a special day.  I stepped onto the basketball court to play with a team that won a league title that season. The following spring, I was able to run track and competed at the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Track and Field Meet.  All of the work I had done since my first post-op therapy session was paying off.  I played a limited spring club soccer schedule and worked to get back my touch.  I wanted to get back on the field. August 1,2018, I joined my high school team on the field. I relish every practice and every game.  I know what it is to lose something of value.

The challange, community, and competition provided by the game I love is central to who I am.  I am goal oriented and attending college to further my education is the next step for me.  The opportunity to play soccer as I continue my education is one of my goals for the next part of my life journey. As a soccer player, I leave it all out on the field; I let my play speak for itself, and always strive to improve.  It is often said that we should not care what others say about us, but in this situation, I thought it might be meaningful to share what others say about me. 

Team Player 

"Caroline is a true team player.  She is an extremely selfless individual, and consistently put the wellbeing of the group and others before her own personal needs."  

International Service Trip Leader (Former male collegiate player at Elon University)

Leader 

"As a leader, Caroline took control of the group with ease and confidence, and commanded everyone's respect without demanding it."

 International Service Trip Leader (Former Male Collegiate Player at Elon University)

Determined

Tore Left ACL and Meniscus April 2017, ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair May 2017, cleared for full play October 2017.  

"Five months removed from ACL surgery, she moved like she had never been injured.  She moved like the athlete that she is."

Bexley HS Basketball Coach 

Athletic

"She often defends an opponents best player and makes athletic play after athletic play." 

Bexley HS Basketball Coach

Intelligent

"Caroline possesses one of the strongest soccer IQ's I have seen in a player.  She always knows where on the field she needs to be, what to do with the ball, and how to utilize her teammates to the best of their abilities.  During training sessions, she offers solutions to the most challenging team strategies."

Bexley HS Soccer Coach

Mature

"She displayed high emotional intelligence throughout our entire journey, comforting those who struggled, picking them up and sharing in their victories. 

She was a role model to other students and was a consistently postive influence."  

International Service Trip Leader (Former Male Collegiate Player at Elon University)