Javier Caceres '21 Recruiting Profile

Playing in the Development Academy(DA), has positively impacted my athletic lifestyle and future goals. Throughout my athletic journey, I've accomplished awards/recognition, played various positions on the field, recieved a lot of support, and overcame challenges. My initial soccer experience began when I was 3 years old, playing for Big Apple Soccer League, Queens NY. I eventually began to play competitively in leagues such as Cosmopolitan, NPL, Premier, EDP, High School Varsity, and DA. Despite my achievements, I have also experienced challenges. 

Having come from a low income, immigrant family, I have gained and learned awareness, knowledge, and values to apply into my athletic and educational goals. I have had the support from my family and team to have had the opportunity to travel and play in a tournament in Italy (Viareggio), in which I contributed in our first place win, by scoring a total of 6 goals throughout our 5 games, as a center midfielder. Other highlight achievements have been ESPN championship, Orlando Florida; two NPL championships; LIJSL championship, 2018; and receiving Honorable Mention All County award, AA Classification for high school varsity team, as a sophomore. My strongest positions that I have played and retained throughout the years have been striker, center midfielder and centerback. Some positive attributes that I have shown have been flexibility based on the team's need, leadership and evidenced through my promotion to captain at the end of my sophomore, H.S year. I have also demonstrated dedication, discipline, and reliability, based on my consistant practice and game attendance.

Furthermore, I have been able to manage both responsibilities as an athelete and student by learning to overcome obstacles. In my initial academic high school year, I experienced challenges in learning to balance my academic needs, however I have been able to reflect, utilize resources, and learn to motivate myself to achieve my highest potential. I continue to do this by disciplining myself, having a set routine, prioritizing my needs, and reminding myself of my achievements and future goal to become a successful student athlete.