Diego Fernandez '21 Recruiting Profile

My Name is Diego Fernandez, and I am a 6’0" 160 pound senior (Class of 2021) Centerback/Outside Back from Casselberry, FL.  I am a four year starter on the Lake Howell High School varsity soccer team.  Last year I was named captain, a unanimous 1st Team All Conference selection, and a 1st Team All County selection.  I lead my high school team in steals, minutes played, games played, and led all defenders in goals and assists.  I have been names captain again this season.  I am also a three  year starter on the varsity football team, 2 time Special Teams Player of the Year, captain, and was named to the All Conference Team. 

I was a team captain for 3 years with the Greater Orlando Soccer Academy before moving on to GPS Orlando two years ago.  My club team qualified and played in the ENPL National Playoffs last summer in Rockford, IL, advanced to the Elite 8 in the FYSA Florida State Cup, and the Final 4 of the Florida Cup .  Over the past few years I have been fortunate to have been selected to participate in some great opportunities. I was selected to participate in the ODP program.  I was also chosen to compete at the US Technical Championships in Indianapolis, IN, and was selected to the Super Y Southeastern Regional Scouting Series where I was selected to the top 11 in my age group. .  

I have had the opportunity to be selected to play internationally in Mexico against and with some top academies like Atlas, Chivas, and Guadalajara. Also, I was selected to train for three months in Buenos Aires, Argentina with  professional academies Club Lanus, El Provenir, and played in the Buenos Aires Cup. All these experiences have given me a unique outlook on the game of soccer, different styles of play, learning how to adapt my own game, and life outside America. Most importantly, it’s knowing that a player never stops growing and learning.  I have an overall 3.27 GPA, 3.65 weighted GPA, and am taking honors and AP classes for all my core and foreign language classes.

I am looking for a place where I can find the right balance between the classroom and field. I would like to pursue a university with outstanding academics. As for the athletic environment, I would like to be in one where I could make an immediate impact and contribution on the team. On the college level, all the players are talented or they wouldn't be college players. What I believe separates me from other players is my competitive mindset, dedication to hard work, and the love and respect of the game.  I am hoping that along with these attributes, and my soccer ability I will get a chance to continue playing on the college level.