Dylan Thomas '24 Recruiting Profile

I am a fierce competitor in the field of play. I love the game of soccer and have played since a young age. I have had good coaching along the way and guidance.  I am a student-athlete and a National Honor Society member so I strive to excel in the classroom as well as on the pitch.  I play Varsity soccer, travel soccer, and Varsity rugby which keeps me in shape and sharp on the field.  My older brother played professional soccer in Canada, Malta, and the U.K and is a great source of inspiration and support. My other brother is a D1 athlete for the East Carolina University Baseball team.  I can play at a competitive level with good size, strength, speed, and toughness.  I have a solid mental approach as I am constantly learning during practices and games and adapting to changing situations quickly. I am a team-first player always supporting my teammates and not focusing on individual accomplishments or the headlines.  I believe I will be a tremendous asset to whomever coach wants me to be a part of their soccer program.  My goal is to play collegiate soccer and I am ready for the next level.

Below is a summary and analysis of me from my high school coach - Fred Sporrer. 

To whom it may concern: Please recognize this letter as a sincere recommendation and endorsement for Dylan Thomas, rising Junior at Archbishop Spalding High School located in Severn, Maryland. We have worked with Dylan for three years as at the high school, Travel, and individual training level. Dylan has excelled in most areas and has worked very hard to improve in areas he may have been deficient. Please note, he continues to grow and improve each season as a student of the mind, body, and sport. I have coached and played at very high levels and can appreciate an athlete who is willing to work to improve at a steady rate, trusts the process and will reach his peak potential timely. 

I like to touch on five components of player development and growth model I feel are essential for a player to be well rounded on and off the pitch. Please see below evaluation: 

Technical: Dylan is very proficient technically with primary focus to improve his weak foot. He has a tidy first touch, plays active touches and plays away from pressing opponents. He has the ability to strike the ball with all surfaces of his foot and possesses courage and technique when the ball is in the air to include quality Thigh, Chest and Heading ability. His Defensive posture and technique are possibly his strongest attributes and does very well in 1v1 and 2v1 scenarios in the middle and defensive third of the pitch. 

Tactical: Dylan has grown tactically in the past 24 months and better understands defensive shape, timing and tackling. He plays well in man and zone defensive shapes and anticipates play well. Also, he is very capable of overlapping high into the attacking third without abandoning defensive responsibilities. He plays with purpose and can build out during a press and understands when to initiate counter attacking play from a wing back and center back position. 

Physical: Dylan is physically gifted in areas of size, strength, speed and mobility. His balance and agility have improved, adding more quality to his movements on and off the ball. He has the ability to shield and out jump taller opposing players due to his strong physical abilities. 

Mental: Dylan’s mental approach to the game, on and off the field is possibly his best attribute. He is a natural leader, a humble listener and encourages teammatesto raise their game to a higher level. He works  hard to play within a certain system or style of play and supports coaches, managers, and trainers. In addition, Dylan is very mentally strong, and does not allow the moment to be to large and does not exhibit negative attributes to offend opposing teams. He is very physically tough and will not back down from a challenge and constantly displays bravery and lack of self on the pitch. 

Social: Dylan is very humble, reserved and to the outward appearance a shy young man. However, he is far from shy and fits right in with players, coaches, and students. He is what I like to call “Quiet Confident” and his actions and efforts almost always speak louder than his words. He is respectful, trustworthy, and loyal which makes him a great asset to the team and campus life at Archbishop Spalding. I hope you will recognize the above evaluation/endorsement of Dylan Thomas and consider him in your future player pool and recruitment process. 

Kind regard, Fred Sporrer 

Head Coach, Archbishop Spalding Boys Soccer 

Head Coach, Baltimore Celtic 2008 boys 

Former, Academy Director, Liverpool International Academy of America 

Coerver, Master Diploma