Benjamin Ferreira '21 Recruiting Profile

In 2015 I was given an unlikely opportunity. I was not the best soccer player and making FSA FC was much out of my league. Even knowing that, I tried out. I was out of shape and not technically as good as the other kids. A week after tryouts, I received an email saying I made their lowest team, which was the third-tier team. Their response in the email was that I had potential. They took a chance on me. Each year I worked, I put in more hours than the others on my team, going to the field and working out. The next year I made the second team by the skin of my teeth, but quickly became the go-to player on the team.  I played defense but when we needed a goal, my coach moved me to forward.  I took the free kicks and the corners on both sides. It felt great, but I wanted more because I was not on the top team.  After that season I thought I had a chance to make the first team, but they took someone from outside the club. Instead of getting down, I put in even more hours. I worked on strength, plyometrics and even went to Parisi Speed School to get faster. I went to the field to train with my dad, friends and by myself and I kept getting better.  The next year, I was finally accepted onto the top team. I have been on the top team for the third year now, and I compete with all the players on my team (including an All-American and kids invited to U.S. National Team camps) but have also played against some of the best players around the country.  Through my soccer career,  I have learned "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.” Its true. This quote stuck with me when I was younger and is one I live by now.  Those kids the first year I joined were more talented, but I was willing to work hard and stay hungry. I seized my opportunity.  Now my talent, my technical ability, my athleticism are on the same high level as my work ethic.  

What makes me a great candidate for your team is that I am constantly rising to and beyond my competition. My intense work ethic will help me succeed at any program, academically and athletically. While I am working hard on the soccer field, I will also be working hard in the classroom. I am willing to put in the time and effort to become the best soccer player I can and do my best for your program. I am always looking to put my best foot forward for the team and trying to spread my drive throughout the team - pushing us to play the best we can and achieve the most we can.