William Slayton '24 Recruiting Profile

   My love for the game of soccer began when I first stepped on a field at 3 years old. I played for the Manchester Soccer Club beginning at age 3 and their travel team from the age of 8. I began playing club at age 10. I played for CFC from U10-U13 and then began playing for FSA FC beginning in my U14 season. At FSA I found my home and continue to play for them today.  Every coach and player I have encountered influenced me both on and off the field and supported my growth and development. To me, that is the meaning of soccer. Excellence and drive and being the best that you can be.

I am currently in the process of getting ready to re-class my junior year as a transfer at Kingswood Oxford school. My previous junior year GPA was a 3.25 overall. Before I made the switch to Kingswood Oxford, My junior year I was the starting varsity goalkeeper with 8 league shutouts. For the 2021 season I had over 100 saves and 1 goal assist in a 17 game season.  I made the 2021 All Conference and won MVP award for Manchester high school. 

FSA was where I truly began to train with a goal in mind, and my passion was ignited.  The individualized training as well as designated goalkeeping clinics have been instrumental in my athletic evolution.  Since 2019, the FSA team that I was a part of has qualified for national playoffs twice with the 3^rd season having the playoffs cancelled due to the pandemic. We have also won the Jefferson Cup and EDP tournaments in that time.   Along with my training at FSA, my individual private training with Coach Dan Gaspar and his SGA academy, has been instrumental in my development and love for the game. This past year my previous high school coach, Jon Cohn, has encouraged me to dream bigger and aim higher. Although a recent addition in my sports experience, he is already impacting my confidence and skills.

Watching my cousin Jimmy Slayton play from high school, through college and now as a professional Goalkeeper in the USL league previously for Real Monarchs now Hartford Athletic has driven me to keep reaching for my goals. He is my inspiration for following your dreams and working towards them no matter what. His support and guidance has been invaluable.

The thing that I love most about being a Goalkeeper is that the position has the ability to impact the game in so many ways. Whether by directing players, keeping the energy of the game up, communicating, being an active participant in the defense of the goal, or creating offensive opportunities through proper distribution. It is a position that requires both physical and mental strength. I would love to continue to play soccer in college and incorporate my passion for the sport in my future career.

As a part of any college program, I would bring enthusiasm, character, teamwork, and leadership, as well as the required athleticism needed to excel in NCAA sports.  My love and understanding of the game along with my work ethic are what make me an asset on the field and in the classroom.