Audrey Garlitz '22 Recruiting Profile

Soccer, sports, and academics are a big part of my life. My ambition to play collegiate soccer began to form after playing competitive club soccer in the 7th and 8th grade. As an attacking midfielder I use my ability of good field vision to scan and distribute the ball. I utilize space and communicate on and off the ball. I am fast on the pitch. Running long distances in cross country and track have helped me gain the endurance needed to maintain speed throughout the whole game.

At the age of two I was diagnosed profoundly deaf. Shortly after that, I received bilateral cochlear implants and currently use spoken language to communicate. As a deaf soccer player, I was provided an opportunity to train with the US Women's Deaf National Team (USWDNT) in 2019. Playing alongside collegiate, professional, and national level players opened my eyes to the high level of competition needed to play in college. It also allowed me to share similar experiences and struggles with my USWDNT teammates that my typical hearing teammates don’t encounter, such as not hearing a whistle for a dead ball, not hearing coaches/players calling my name for a sub, or not hearing incidental conversations.

I currently coach the U6 team for my local club. It’s rewarding to bring the energy and enthusiasm I have for soccer to young players. They are teaching me to see the game from a different perspective. 

I’m striving to graduate high school with a high GPA so I can study sports medicine in college. All athletes experience injury and setbacks. A career in sports medicine will help me stay connected with sports long after my playing days are over.