Nickolas (Niko) Pino '24 Recruiting Profile

Dear Perspective Coach,

My name is Niko Pino. I am 16 years old, 6’2, 170 lbs and a soccer player. I have played the game of soccer since I was 4 years old. I am convinced that the love of the game is in my blood as my Abuelito (Grandfather) was a soccer fanatic who not only played the sport but also attended every World Cup beginning with Germany in 1974 until Korea in 2002. I envision myself attending a University where I can focus on my academic career in Engineering as well as participate as an athlete. I am confident that my resiliency and determination will help lead me to a successful future. 

On the field, I am a versatile player capable of playing multiple positions at a high level. I always give it 110%. My most important accomplishment is moving from recreational soccer to making a DA soccer club team where initially I was only playing 10 minutes per game to eventually playing the entire 90 minutes as a lead player.  With a lot of hard work and determination, I became one of the top players which led to me being invited to tryout for the San Diego Loyals Select Academy team. I made the team as one of the youngest players at 14 years old in 2021 and was invited back in 2022.  I also got the opportunity to go to Utah for 4 days to train with the Real Salt Lake (RSL) academy where I experienced living in the dorms (dorm life!), going to school on site and playing the game of soccer at a very high level. This season (2022-2023), I will play with the jersey number 75 for Strikers FC, Irvine, MLS Next soccer club. Strikers 06’ was the number 2 team in the nation in the MLS Next league.

I have the mental and physical skills to compete at the top of my game. My competence on the field  is matched equally with humility, resilience and empathy. I am a proven leader who will drive the team to higher levels and offer positive motivation. I find strength through the support of my family and in my beliefs. Success to me is being accepted to a University that will make me feel empowered to take control of my life on the field and off.