Tyla Ochoa '21 Recruiting Profile

My freshman year of high school, I thought I would be playing with all of my friends on the soccer field. Being able to perform and have fun, but also win and continue to grow as a player. Later, I learned that my club team would compete in a league called the Developmental Academy, also known as the DA. At this time, I had to make a tough decision. I was down to the top 30 for ODP and knew that if I played in DA I would have to stop that process and commit to DA. I committed to DA and have never looked back. We compete at the highest level in our age group, some of the best teams in the country played alongside us. We took third in the play offs last year (2018). This change pushed me to outwork and mentally challenge myself to the limits. It made me want to stay at the highest level of competition.  At that time, I knew soccer was my future and I am committed.

I was named the captain for my club team freshmen year. Which, to me, was a big deal because it was only my second year being a part of this team. Being chosen for that role by my coach and team mates helped me to gain confidence in my leadership skills. It also showed me the teamwork, dedication, sacrifice, and grit that it takes to be a team player. I continue to be our teams captain and it is a role I am proud of and has taught me to lead by doing and not talking. I believe I fit into a program with the most challenging academics and highest level of soccer. I bring leadership skills, work-ethic, lead-by-example attitude, and perseverance to make a positive impact to my team.