Arianna Smith '23 Recruiting Profile

I didn’t start playing soccer as early as some of my peers. At 9 years old, I fell in love with soccer. It was the missing piece of my personal puzzle. Soccer has helped me with so many things in my life. The game has given me courage to persevere through difficult situations, taught me teamwork skills, created lasting friendships, as well as a close-knit feeling of family. Furthermore, I have learned the importance of setting goals. Goals in life are meant to be objectives that I can achieve. My long-term goals include improving my skills and better understanding the concept of how high-level soccer players operate within a game.  My commitment to training is designed to help me improve in both areas. One of my personal traits is refusing to give up, and I strive to be the best teammate possible. Working with new coaches and different players, has shaped me into the person and player I am becoming.  

College will be an exciting new chapter in my journey, but one very important element of my college experience will include playing soccer, the game I love. Along with my athletics, I will be pursuing a degree in Inclusive Elementary Education. I have enjoyed working with children through my coaching of 5–12-year old's in South Buffalo. I believe the personal satisfaction I have gained through this work has led me to my decision to pursue my degree in education.  I hope to find a college that will challenge me academically as well as athletically.