Steven Haines '17 Recruiting Profile

  My soccer interest began at the age of  4 when I began playing with my community team in Warrington, Pennsylvania. Aside from fundamentals of the game, my coaches focused on other essential aspects such as understanding the importance of teamwork, hard work, and dedication to a commitment.  It was also at a young age when my dad and coaches made me aware of the importance of defense. When most other players (and parents) were cheering for goals being scored, I took greater pride in making sure the other team didn't score.  My dad always encouraged me to take defense seriously because a coach will always want an outstanding defender.  I took that to heart, even at the age where every kid was wanting to score goal after goal, I began to fall in love with being the person that my teammates and coaches could depend on to be the last line of defense before the keeper. As I grew as a player and continued my soccer career I centered my play around that principle of defense.  I grew to love the position because as sweeper, I can see the full field view.  From that spot, I can communicate and help orchestrate my teammates.  Through that I have further developed my leadership skills serving as captain for my undefeated middle school team and for my U16 travel team as well.  

I have strong aspirations to play soccer in college.  My dad played in college and some of his greatest memories are those that were created when he was part of his collegiate team.  I think what makes me a good candidate for a collegiate team is:  I am committed team player.  I understand that each player has a role and a successful team is when each member understands their role and realize that they are a piece of the team puzzle.  Our team will be as good as the sum of the parts assembled.  I also feel that I am good candidate for a coach and program who wants to build a strong defensive unit.   My coaches have always given me feedback as a player.  I have learned to listen to feedback and apply what I can to improve my game.  At each level, coaches have always considered me to be "coachable."  I listen, I try to improve and I support those around me who are trying to achieve the same team goals.  My Christian faith are essential to my character as a person, player and teammate.  I play with passion and aggression but I am not a player who uses foul language on or off the field because I know that how I act reflects my character and my faith.  I respect my opponents as people but I recognize the nature of the contest is to win. 

More about me: From my travel soccer coach 

"To whom it may concern, 

This letter of recommendation comes from my experience of coaching as well as interacting with Steven Haines Jr. over the last 3 years while he played on my Ukrainian Nationals U15 – U17 club soccer team. I believe that it is important to note that over the last 12 years I have coached hundreds of kids across multiple sports. When it comes to Steve Haines Jr. you are dealing with an outstanding individual. I feel that it would be remiss to describe my interactions with Steven the athlete / teammate without first describing Steven the brother, son, or student that I have come to know. Steven comes from a very close knit family of seven. His parents Ruth and Steven Sr. were a pleasure to interact with on and off the field. Through these interactions it became apparent to me very quickly where Steve Jr’s moral compass had been calibrated. Steven, being the only son of 5 kids, was interesting to watch as he had a very mature disposition from the beginning. It was clear to me that Steven respected his position in the family as his sister’s only brother and took that too heart. During our drives to and from games my conversation would inevitably lead to his academic career and plans for the future. It was always very clear through Steven’s responses that his focus was squarely on attending college and playing college sports while attaining his degree.  Knowing how goal oriented Steven is, there is no doubt in my mind that he will accomplish all of this and more.    

We recruited Steve onto our travel soccer team as a fullback during our U15 year. Steve came into the program not knowing anyone on the team. I noticed immediately his ability to listen by the intent stare when I was speaking not only to him directly but to the team as a whole. That trait always stands out first to me in an athlete because it signifies an athlete’s willingness to be coached. When I watched Steve take the field game after game I was truly impressed with the amount of heart that he brought to the game. It inspired players around him to go harder or push further. Within the first 4 weeks of our season I named Steven as one of our two team captains. Not a single player was surprised by this decision. In just 4 weeks time Steven, through his actions on and off the field, had earned mine and his teammates respect. Only a natural leader can accomplish this in such a short time. This commitment from Steven to me and his teammates has continued throughout every practice, game, and tournament that the team has participated in.

In conclusion, it is my opinion that Steven will compliment any organization, academic institution, or team that he is given the opportunity to be a part of. I would encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to make this young man a part of your life.

Sincerely,

Charles Dinan