Matthew Sampsell '22 Recruiting Profile

I currently play for both my high school team, Lancaster Mennonite, and my club team, PMG Raptors PA Mutiny Gold.  In 2021, Lancaster Mennonite won the District III 2A championship and, in a moment that I will never forget, I kicked the winning goal, in the 6th minute of overtime, from 16 yards out.  

One of the things that sets me apart from other players is my versatility.  While my high school coach prefers me to start at attacking mid and defensive mid, with some wing and forward play, my club coach tells me that he needs me to play defense so he plays me at outside back.   I am one of the few players on my club team that routinely plays the entire game. Another trait that sets me apart is my lack of selfish play.  One reason my high school coach likes to play me at attacking mid is, according to him, my ability to see the field and distribute the ball, as well as my ability to control the middle of the field.

I believe that I am a person of high moral character with leadership  capabilities.  I achieved my Eagle Scout Rank at the age of 16 after only 4 years in scouting.  I have volunteered at a camp for children with special needs and at a local retirement community.  I have done all of this while playing varsity and club soccer and maintaining a 4.0+ weighted GPA.

Soccer has been a part of my life since the age of three.  I made my first competitive travel team at age eight, and started playing true club ball at twelve.  I cannot imagine a time when soccer will not be a part of my life.