Dylan Stephens '23 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing soccer ever since my 4th grade year, when discovering the sport, I knew it was going to be my dream to play in the pros. Ever since, I have been working everyday to achieve this goal. Recently, I have received my largest accomplishment since I have been playing soccer, winning the US Club Soccer Ohio State Cup, qualifying myself and my team Blast FC 2004 to the National Cup XX.  Our league play ended well but could've been better. We got two essential games canceled selling us short of a league champion in NPL. After attending the National Cup XX, I got the opportunity to go overseas and train for 10 days with the GNK Dinamo Zagreb Academy 04 team in Zagreb, Croatia. Them being in the UEFA youth league and their top team having some of the greatest achievements it was easily the highest level I had competed at. Even though there’s a huge difference in every aspect of soccer from the US and European, I held my ground and competed just as well as the players around me. They pushed me to limits I didn’t believe I could reach. My latest achievement is making it to the quarter finals in the Disney Showcase and unluckily losing in penalties. With all that, I have high hopes of getting into a college that not only will pursue my dreams on the field but also off the field in the classroom to get me ready for my second option if I do not make a professional team. My dream apart from being a professional soccer player is to be a entrepreneur or a CEO. I have started many companies since Covid in order to build experience and learn everything I can. Juggling these two goals, I have to remember to stay focused in both aspects and to work hard and to not let anything get into the way of my goals. Asking my managers, coaches, and peers, they could tell you that I'm very passionate about my goals and will do anything it takes to be able to get there one day!