Cassidy Guha '23 Recruiting Profile

 Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. 

For a long time, I have grown up thinking about what college/university might be like because of what everybody around me has said. I have always admired school as well as soccer, both extremely important to me. I started playing soccer when I was 3 years old for Waterloo Minor Soccer Club, mostly because my parents both played soccer. When I was young I really liked music and dancing so I also danced.  There was one type of dance that really connected with me and that was tap.  I loved to make music with my feet.  I tap danced until I was 13.  My soccer coaches all along have commented to me and my parents, that I have fast feet and am a strong dribbler.  I believe my background in tap dancing contributed to this.  When I was 12, I had the opportunity to play OPDL soccer for Waterloo United on the inaugural U13 girls team.  I stopped dancing competitively to do this and I think this was the best decision I have made thus far.  My parents have certainly supported my development as a soccer player both on and off the field.  We watch soccer together on the television or go to games.  My father is very passionate about the sport and has coached me as well.  Last year when the OPDL scouts chose players to participate in the Ontario Provincial Screening, I did not make the list.  I believe this was a real turning point for me. I was disappointed and talked to my parents who told me "it wasn't about where I was now but keep working hard, get better and opportunities will arise."  I made a commitment to improving my game. I worked on and off the field to make sure that when the next opportunity came, I performed and excelled. This year I was invited to participate in the Ontario Provincial Screening and invited back to participate in the Ontario Provincial Projects.  There are 40 of us left competing to make the Ontario U15 girls team. I know that I must continue to push myself to be a better player, and if I continue to develop opportunities will come.  

In soccer and in school, people comment that I am a quiet leader.  Many people would say that I prefer to lead with my actions than words, which is probably true. I am not a big talker, and I think team mates are more likely to follow someone's actions than words...words are easy for most but actions take work. Performing well in school is very important to me. I have high expectations when it comes to grades. My parents have always told me that education opens the door to endless possibilities, which is 100% true. I work hard at school and have always been rewarded with very good marks.  Last year in grade 8 I had the highest average in my class and was voted the class valedictorian.  I was honoured to be chosen to speak on behalf of my class, and terrified too, since speaking in front of a whole room of people is not easy for me.  Like everything else I do, I prepared and the speech went well. I am not completely sure why, but I have always been interested in computers, and they make sense to me. I think it is because it links to math and science and those are my favourite subjects. In grade 8, I was not happy with my performance on a math test so I came home, re-did the questions I got wrong, then taught myself the basics of coding! This was a coping skill for me. I don't know exactly what I want to be, but I think it will have something to do with computers, science and/or math.  I know if I keep my grades up I will have more options in terms of my career.

It is hard to describe anyone in a few words as we are all complicated.  If I had to describe myself I guess I would say I am hard-working, independent, determined, shy, and open to feedback.  I love to take on a challenge and push myself!