Elijah McGowen '22 Recruiting Profile

Update: I'll be playing in the Jefferson Cup for the Richmond Strikers ECNL RL team in Boys U19 Superior bracket.  I'm an amateur member of the NPSL expansion team Grove Soccer United.

I've started and played well at every level that I've been given a chance to compete. In December 2020, our VSL travel team was a last minute fill-in for a CCL Showcase where I played CAM. In Spring 2021 for my HS, we played in VHSL Class 5, and I defended college commits from opponents like James River, Cosby, Midlothian, & DS Freeman.   I recently guest played for the Richmond Strikers ECNL RL team at the Orlando Showcase 1/21-23.  I came off the bench in game 1, but I started @ CB for games 2 & 3 and played a majority of those games.  The ECNL coach invited me to return for the Jeff Cup. I'm currently finishing up my 3rd season of travel soccer and training with Justin Grove of Grove Soccer Academy.  In January I tried out for and made the NPSL 2022 expansion team Grove Soccer United.  I recently made my first appearance for GSU in a friendly against USL-1 team NCFC at RB and gained valuable experience.  In short, I've played VHSL (HS), VSL, CCL, ECNL RL (all club), and NPSL (semi-pro/amateur).

I love intense practices and coaches that challenge me.  I practice and play at 100% from the first to the final minute regardless the score.  With my grades and scores, I've been awarded academic scholarships from every school where I've applied.  Therefore, I don't necessarily need or require an athletic scholarship, and I'm more than willing to accept a Preferred Walkon offer at D1/D2 and/or play at D3.

Besides my academics and athletics, I also have high moral character and integrity, so you don't need to worry about me getting in trouble or slacking off on schoolwork.  You will not regret having me on your team.