Blaze Dees '20 Recruiting Profile

If I were writing this letter to myself when I was a freshman, I would probably start it out with I AM A GOALIE - I am one of the best goalkeepers out there and when I am in goal, I am at home.  But now that I am senior and I've endured many lessons, numerous highs and lows, I can say very confidently that I am so much more than a goalie.  I am a leader, a mentor, I am my teammates's biggest fan and I make mistakes.  I've been a goalkeeper since I was four years old.  I remeber being so hard on myself when my team would lose because I felt it was my fault.  I've learned through out the years to embrace a loss; as that is when we grow as a team and as individuals.  You can't fully appreciate a win if you have never been humbled by a loss.  My parents always told me it's not the score of the game that defines you or a team, but how you contuct yourselfs on and off the field that matter the most.  My coaches taught us to have respect for the game.  That it doesn't matter what jersey a player is wearing, we are all there for the love of the sport and that should be respected at all cost.

I've worked hard to be one of the best in the state.  I was awarded All District and All Region this year.  I have closed out my seasons with being in the top 10 and top 20 in the state.  Though I'm very proud of my accomplishments, none of those compare to the life lessons I've learned along the way.  To be a great student athlete you have to be strong willed to keep pushing though the physical and mental pain.  The harder you work for something, the more proud and greatful you are when you achieve it. That achievement is even sweeter when you can enjoy it with a team.  I've realized that you have to be teachable and respectful of those that know more than you.  And you have to give back to others!  I want nothing more than to continue growing as a student, as a soccer player and as a man.  I know I have what it takes to play at the next level and not just because my coaches say so; but because my heart is telling me.  I don't know what God has in store for my future, I don't know if I'll leave a legacy for my high school or not.  But what I do know is I made the most of my time while I was there.  The lessons I've been taught and then handed down to underclassmen will forever leave an impression on their hearts and mine.