Darius Wright III '24 Recruiting Profile

Soccer has already provided me many opportunities and experiences. My goal is to maximize my potential and play the sport at the highest level I can achieve. I am excited about my college search and what the future holds. My past experiences have taught me to keep an open mind about the possibilities.

I am a unique player in that I am comfortable playing both as a goalkeeper and as a forward field player at high levels.  I have been most competitive at goalkeeper and played on elite youth teams (Wisconsin Fire, ODP) in that position. This year I am playing U19 in the MLS Next League at keeper. I have taken advantage of the specialized keeper training my club has provided. I currently believe my best opportunity to play at the next level is as a keeper.  I have been with the Bavarian Soccer Club since U8 and always played with the first team in mostly a forward position which I have enjoyed. Playing forward has given me a better strategic understanding of the game and given me confidence playing the ball at my feet. Being open minded in this regard has made me better.

Academically I have been granted a scholarship only given to two students a year to attend the prestigious University School of Milwaukee with some of the best instructors and resources in the state. It was a challenge acclimating to a new environment and classmates but being on the soccer team and athletics gave me opportunities to meet people and become comfortable before school even started. I imagine making the next leap to college will be a similar, although more challenging experience.

Finally, I have been granted another very unique opportunity via soccer.  I was invited to be a member of Project SAM. Project SAM will be a docu-series for children featuring a teenage soccer team that travels the world as Good Will Ambassadors of solidarity. Project SAM uses soccer to bring people of different cultures, faiths and race together.  We made our first international trip to Cairo, Egypt in March followed by a trip to Milan, Italy where we formed a relationship with a Ukrainian refugee family. We also traveled to South Africa where we spent time with local children in Johannesburg and Cape Town. We have plans to visit other countries in 2023 including Saudi Arabia. Domestically, we have traveled on missions to the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and Traverse City, Michigan and have had training sessions in Dallas and Los Angeles.  Please follow our team @officialProjectSAM on Instagram. Project SAM has been an incredible opportunity to spread goodwill all while doing something I love.