Anna Thormodsgard '21 Recruiting Profile

I am the type of person who has an internal drive and persisting motivation to keep getting better. Whether it is athletically or academically, I don't need someone to remind me that I need to work hard, because I know that it takes more than the average amount of time in class or at practice to really set yourself apart. I began playing soccer when I was 4, and since then soccer has grown from just a hobby to a huge passion that has made me want to play every day, whether it be in a game, at training, or just going in my backyard or to a nearby racquetball court trying to master a cool trick or increase my juggling record. My love for soccer is known by basically anyone who meets me because it has become apart of who I am in what I do, what I watch, and what I talk about. 

Since about fifth grade, I have had the opportunity to be a guest player on some of the older teams in my club, which I believe has had a tremendous impact on my personality both on and off the field. From this experience, I have been able to have a leadership role on my regular team and have the mindset of having to constantly fight for respect as a player from the older teams. The constant challenge of having to prove that I can play at a certain level has given me more motivation to grow my skill set and it has also taught me how to better handle my nervousness before important games. It has also made me a versatile player who is comfortable playing any position short of goalie. One of my favorite club soccer memories that I am so grateful to have has been getting to play overseas in tournaments in both Sweden and Italy! While I believe confidence is a key factor when any player takes the field, I also believe having humility is an extremely important aspect of one's character and mindset.