Madelynne Knowd '22 Recruiting Profile

As a young club soccer player, I still remember hearing the parents yell, “Get Maddie MAD!” Off the pitch, I was called mild-mannered and even shy. However on the pitch, if I was ever fouled, juked out, or down a goal, my intensity rose with my desire to make things right. “Right” meaning my team winning. I participated in many sports growing up: basketball, running, tennis, but the only sport I am linked to for life is soccer. Soccer helps me concentrate, takes me away from life, and gives me goals to reach. 

As a twelve-year-old, I earned the “juggling award” at my soccer club. One night as my team continued practice I was allowed to strive to reach a juggling record. I could block life out while I juggled and I focused nearly the entire practice with my touches on the ball using both feet. I honestly hadn’t realized that so much time had passed and during that practice, I only remember thinking about keeping the ball in the air. 

Soccer has been another world for me. Since I live in a small town in east San Diego, I have traveled far to my club soccer practices and games for the past 6 years. My practices are a 45-minute drive with many games at least 2 hours away. Sometimes I travel with my teammates who are my very good friends. And sometimes I just get to chill with one of my parents.(With 4 siblings I could only get 1 parent at any of my games).  In any case, I get this time away from school and home to see more of the world and play the game I love the best. This time investment can be grueling at times but having this soccer world helped me not take life so seriously and to work hard for a common goal. 

I am now beginning to think about my future. Sure soccer is fun, but can I do more with it? I have played club soccer since I was 8 years old. I have been fortunate throughout my soccer experience because my older sister has helped pave the way. Her name sometimes helped me get a look from a coach, but once I got them looking I had to prove my ability. I have now played for three clubs: San Diego Futbol Academy, San Diego Soccer Club, and San Diego Force FC. The coaches at these clubs sought me out and then taught me ….. They also gave me the confidence to know I can compete at a higher level. My goal of collegiate soccer has helped me do better in school as well; I just had my Fall semester with a 4.16! I know college soccer is only half about soccer and half about education. I want to continue to work with athletics when I finish my soccer career so I know a degree will help.