Raina Stroescu '19 Recruiting Profile

My goal on the soccer field is to work hard each and every day to become a better player, team mate and leader.  What makes me a strong candidate to play at a high level of college soccer, besides my speed and technical ball skills, is that I am able to read the field really well. I time my runs, looking for the open space when playing forward, and look to distribute balls quickly when I am playing attacking midfield. I have been playing soccer since I was five years old and have watched and followed my favorite team Bayern Munchen since then. What makes me different than a lot of players my age is that, besides playing and practicing, I enjoy watching professional soccer all the time (FIFA cups, MLS, UEFA Champions League, German Bundesliga, British Premier League, Spanish La Liga, etc). Watching the professional soccer leagues consistently and passionately over the years has advanced my understanding of various game strategies, tactics, movements and decision making on the field. Of course nothing replaces great coaching, dedicated practice and actually playing and applying the skills on the pitch in competition, but I know it does benefit my game.

In 2016, I was given the opportunity to speak about my personal experience with cancer as the LLS Light the Night Walk's Hero.  My motto I shared with the crowd was " Don't let your challenges control you. Take control of your challenges."

I battled Hodgkin's Lymphoma going into my freshman year of high school. Losing my hair was probably the worst part but also not being able to play for my club in the fall season and watching on the sidelines was tough. This difficult experience taught me many things regarding mental toughness, both on and off the field,  and how to deal with challenges.

Now I am completely cancer free and am playing at the ECNL level due to the hard work, mental toughness, and dedication I put in to come back strong. My coaches, family, and friends were all a huge support in helping me.

Academically I aspire to become a lawyer arguing for civil rights and liberties. For my Undergraduate studies I want to focus on Journalism , Broadcasting , and Political Science. Making a difference is important to me. 

Thank you for viewing my profile.