Lillie Ray '23 Recruiting Profile

As my high school coach has been telling us since middle school, “you are a student athlete, student first, athlete second”.  My parents also stress academics over everything else, and I agree. My primary goal for college is to graduate with a degree that will help me achieve a good life and make a difference with people. If I can continue to play the game I love at the same time it would be amazing. If high level competitive soccer is no longer an option then I will continue to play in an intramural league.  Most of the things I enjoy about my life revolve around soccer. It’s a family hobby. I like hanging out with my teammates and friends throughout the year, and how a common interest brings us closer.  I like the challenge of working to be a  better person and athlete.  It keeps me healthy physically, which makes me feel good about myself, and it helps relieve stress from daily life.  

A good candidate is a good teammate. Someone who always puts the team ahead of themselves. As a team mate I put in max effort on the field and listen to my teamates. If I’m not doing that, then how can I address teammates who are not doing their best for themselves and the team. I'm consistently upbeat and moving forward during practice and games.  If I can’t correct it immediately I go home and talk about how to get better.  I talk to my coaches a lot for advice and feedback. After working on it I go back for more.  

I'm different from other recruits because I don't settle or get complacent. I do extra homework when I don’t understand, I run miles with my father for form and stamina and I run sprints to get faster. On the field and off the field I watch the game and listen to learn. I will never tell a coach that “I  don’t play there or I don’t want to”. If it wasn’t needed they wouldn’t ask. I’ll get over being uncomfortable and mistakes that come with  learning. Not being a good teamate is when I would be upset with my performance. I can promise I'll do my best to learn from it, improve, and move forward.