Fernando Soto-Cruz '20 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Fernando Soto-Cruz and I am a senior at Cottage Grove High School. Currently, I have a 3.98 GPA and have taken a number of Advanced Placement courses. I am a three-sport athlete. I am looking for a college with both a strong academic and athletic program.

Being on my high school's varsity team since freshman year has allowed me to see the different leadership styles which was valuable when I became a captain my junior and senior year. I started off playing an outside-back then I moved to center-back by my sophomore year, which is when I became a starter. We became league champions in 2017, almost having no losses. I received Sky-Em League First Team All-League two consecutive years. I nearly won Player of the Year -- losing by two points-- which amazed me because it is hard to get noticed as a defender, so to be in the running is quite amazing.

I have not competed in any club teams until my senior year because my parents could not give me that opportunity until now. Instead of sitting around doing nothing, I decided to compete in other sports to keep fit. I wrestled during the winter and ran track in the spring. These sports allowed me to grow as an athlete both physically and mentally. In wrestling I placed third in district my junior year and qualified to go to state. In track I placed third in the 400 meters and 4×400 meters, which got me on the Sky-Em League 2nd team All-League for both those events. I also lettered in both of these sports since my freshman year, despite never competing in these sports before.

Academically, I am also very competitive. I maintain a 3.98 GPA which puts me 3 out of 178. I take Advanced Placement classes to be able to challenge myself and be more prepared for college life. In addition, I am very involved in my school and community. This year I am a member of  Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán, Soccer, Wrestling, Track, and Youth Advisory Club. All of these activities have given me the tools to be a better leader and have created personal growth. My academic goal for college is to be able to attend a school that will offer me the classes I need and some place where I can be successful to become the best person, academically, that I am capable of being. Both grades and soccer make me who I am. It has made me proud to have accomplished what I have and hope to be proud of what I will accomplish in my college career, both academically and through soccer.