Abigail Sanders '26 Recruiting Profile

My goal is to play soccer in college. As a brief update, I just got accepted into the National Honors Society. I also have a new highlight reel to spotlight some assists and bringing down the ball. I am currently enjoying travel soccer, and our team was a bracket champion at WAGS recently, which was rewarding because we played some tough ECNL teams. I wrapped up my second season in Varsity soccer in the Spring where we made it again to the State Semi-finals. I was most proud of our play in the Quarter-finals. It was a hard fought match and I scored one of our goals. 

I have an interest in forensic science, criminology, and cyber security, and hope to play soccer at a college that offers those programs. This past summer I was selected to participate in the Teen Leadership Academy at the FBI field office in Maryland. I’ve been told I am a leader, which is flattering because I don’t look at it that way. I did get a Leadership scholarship to high school. I do work really hard and try to put my all into everything, and I’m competitive and don’t give up. My other interests include singing, and I earned a spot on the Varsity Dance Team as a freshman at school which also has won championships. I have my junior black belt in Kung Fu which I’m proud of because it took many years of training. Kung Fu stands for hard work, and my travel coach has taught us about finding joy in work, not just winning or losing.

As for soccer, I’ve been playing since I was 3 years old on a team (Socceroos) then a rec league for many seasons until I joined travel clubs. I aspired to play on my high school team since I was very young. Padua has earned 4 straight Delaware state titles, and I was invited to play on the Varsity squad my freshman year as a starter (playing the 8 and 6 position). We made it to the Semi-finals that season and lost in double-O.T. 0-1 in an intense fast-paced match (I played 100 minutes in that game!) I am most proud of scoring 2 goals as a midfielder that year, and I really learned a lot. I feel privileged to play on my travel team and enjoy the journey to be the best player I can possibly be. I have also been playing wings and striker more often, and I have logged a handful of goals at important times as well as quite a few assists. 

My coaches have complimented my speed and I’ve been told I’m a utility player because I’m comfortable playing in most positions (except keeper, which would not be good!) I have gotten pretty good over the past couple of years meeting players one on one, but also try to play smart and keep my technical skills sharp. I try to maintain a good attitude. While I’m all about soccer on the field, I try to be my best every day, and I’m out there smiling because I just love the game. My coaches say that’s contagious with my teammates. My one travel coach used to call me the heart of the team. He said I was the mood ring because he could tell how everyone was feeling by my reaction to things. That's why I try to keep everyone positive. My current travel coach, Kevin Schneider, gave me this reference to post:

Abby is a versatile and highly technical player who has played in a variety of roles in the midfield and attack for our team. Abby has good vision to move the ball to teammates, but she also has the confidence to take players on. She works hard while defending and reads the game well in that role. Abby consistently displays both a good attitude and a good work ethic at training and in games. She is a supportive teammate and an example on and off the field of the type of player who adds value to the team.

NCAA ID: 2304891762