Isaac Van Ert '22 Recruiting Profile

During the late summer of 2020, just prior to junior year, I moved back to the US after living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for five impactful years of my life.  Everything in my life, including school, friends, travel, way of life, and ‘football’ were wholly international and far different than my US experience.  These life experiences exemplify my international mindset and adaptability … and fueled my love for football. 

I was first introduced to the sport when I was a child living in Brussels, Belgium.  All my school friends played, and I quickly learned to enjoy the sport.  Later, when I moved to Maryland when I was seven, I took up more competitive club/travel play.  While in Dubai, I played originally for FC Barcelona Escola in Dubai’s top youth league as well as national tournaments/cups, and enjoyed a champions region tournament in Bahrain and two trips to the annual FCB tournament in Barcelona.  Later, I joined the academy of newly formed pro side, City FC, who is now in the 2^nd division in UAE.  There, I played in the national league, tournaments, and cups, and played top level competition during two trips to Manchester England against various pro academy teams.

After returning to the US, I earned a position on Maryland United’s National League team and was able to get back into playing competitive club in 2021. Though late to the college recruitment process, I have a strong competitive playing background with significant international exposure and coaching.  Ultimately, I am looking for a great team environment at a strong academic college.