Personal Statement
I never considered playing soccer until age 10 when my Dad practically forced me to join a competitive team in my town. It took some time but by the end of the season I was completely in love with the sport. The following year, I joined Global Premier Soccer (GPS) to further my development and knowledge of the game. Within my first year of playing club soccer, I noticed a majority of my teammates, who had been playing for many years, were much better than I was. It was difficult to transition to a sport that I was so unfamiliar with, but I think that in the end it made me a better player. Always feeling a step behind everyone else made me extremely driven to improve. As a very competitive person I always valued putting forth my best effort and pushing myself. Even though I knew I might not have been the best at the time I was determined to get there. To this day I continue to portray this motivated mindset; always keeping in the back of my head that there might be someone out there who is better.
Throughout these past six years, I have gotten to work with amazing coaches and teammates that have helped me grow as both a player and person. I am proud to say that everything I have achieved in this sport is something that I have earned. I was a member of the GPS 2004 girls National Team in both 2019 and 2020 and the Surf Select National team in 2021, I have traveled to some of the most prestigious tournaments in the entire world, I have been a starting varsity player for my high school team since my freshman year, and I play almost every minute of every game in very competitive club soccer leagues, such as the NPL. However, it was not always like this. I have had to work my way from the bottom to where I am today. After years of being put on lower teams and playing very little, I have proved through my work ethic that I am a strong and worthy player. Through the ups and downs this sport has taught me the importance of sportsmanship, sacrifice, patience, perseverance, confidence, and passion.
I am a versatile player and do not have a preferred foot to use. My primary position is center midfield (both attacking and defensive) but I am also comfortable playing in the fullback, center back, and wide midfield roles. Some of my strengths are my technical ability (passing, dribbling, etc.), quick style of play, decision making, and movement on and off the ball. Some areas I have been focusing on improving are shooting, communication, and my confidence winning balls out of the air. I value putting extra time into non-technical training in order to maintain my strength and fitness. I am a very consistent player. I always work my hardest and enjoy taking on new challenges. I dedicate myself completely to my team and take every possible opportunity for extra training, coaching, or feedback. Personally, I would say I am a very coachable player. I am a good listener and can easily adapt to new playing styles. Many of my coaches have acknowledged my ability to be a leader. I have experience of being captain for my middle school team, my club team, and my high school team for the upcoming 2021 season. I enjoy setting an example on the field but also helping my teammates and pushing them to be their very best. Whenever I have the time, I also volunteer to coach younger age groups at my club. Although I have learned a lot about my strengths over the years, I am very critical of myself as a player and find that identifying and reflecting on my mistakes will allow me to grow.
Academically speaking, I am a straight A student. I have taken all honors and AP classes since my freshman year. I put extra hours into studying, always meet deadlines, am respectful to my teachers and classmates, and submit the best work possible. In addition, I am involved in many clubs and take the time to help out other students. Even with my busy soccer schedule, balancing sports with school has been quite easy for me; having limited time after school keeps me more focused when it comes to finishing assignments.
These last six years of playing has been a journey that I am ready to continue. Soccer has become such a large part of my life that I don't know what I would do without it. I am extremely excited to get into the college recruiting process and cannot wait to see my development in these next couple years. I hope that I am able to find a school that meets my academic needs and has a women's soccer program that will allow me to continue to push myself as a player.
