Avery Bartlett '23 Recruiting Profile

               I began my interest in Soccer when I was 10 years old in a local Rec League.  After the fall of 2015, I knew I wanted more out of soccer because I fell in love with the game.  I joined Arlington Soccer Academy (Competitive Team) in the spring of 2016 with no promises to play a game.  I went to every practice that Spring Season with no expectation of playing a single game.  Due to my hard work, the Coach allowed me to play in the last 3 remaining games as a Stryker scoring my first goal.  I returned to the same team next season playing in most of the games that year scoring 5 goals that year.  I decided soccer was becoming a true passion for me.  I enrolled in D1 training for strengthening and conditioning that summer to get stronger.  I came back the next season with a new coach which moved me from Stryker to Defensive Wing as a starter due to my speed.  My love for game grew even stronger with the following season becoming a starter as a Center Back.  I enjoy the competition and thrive on the challenges. 

                My challenges began before I was even born.  I am triplet and was born weighing 3lb 14 ounces.  I was the smallest baby from the other almost weighing 2lbs less than them.  My leg was turned and immediately started physical therapy to turn my leg to the normal position.  Now, I am one of the fastest girls on my team with my last timed mile when I was 12 years old running 5:42 timed mile.  When I was 13, my time in the 40 yard dash was 5.2 seconds.  I am continuing to work hard every year to become better and faster.  I have had to fight throughout life and willing to fight for the opportunity to play soccer at every level.  I am part of a large family with 3 sisters and 1 brother.  My parents are very supportive toward my dreams and goals.  Eventually, my life after soccer will be in the field of Physical Therapy, but first I want to serve my country as a Marine after I graduate College. 

                As I begin my journey to begin High School in the fall of 2019, I am working with a personal soccer coach throughout the summer and going to attend ID Camps at the Universities of Mississippi and Alabama.  I am also planning on playing High School Soccer at Arlington High School in Arlington, TN.  I will continue my commitment to Club Soccer and continue to find other opportunities to grow and get better. 

              Fall 2019 I played on the Arlington High School JV Team.  The first few games I was not a starter, but became a starter playing outside defender.  I was also named as the Most Improved Player for the Fall 2019 Season.   I joined a new club team for Spring 2020 named Chickasaw Futbol Club (CFC).  This is a new local club with only two teams being a boys U16 and girls U16.  Although my current team is made of up 9 05 girls, 1 06 girls, and 7 04 girls we are going to be a competetive team having to learn each other.  I am a starting outside defender and get moved into the center back position every so often.      

              Although the Spring 2020 season was cut short, I continued my training with a personal coach throughout April, May, and June.    

              Summer 2020, my HS has gotten a new coach Stacie Owens who currently the Assistant Coach at Christian Brothers University.  I made the team but Varsity and JV has not been decided.  I can already tell Coach Owens is going to be great asset for Arlington HS girls soccer.   I plan on trying out for multiple club teams with goal of improving my skills and create a competition to earn my playing time.  I will also continue with my personal trainer once - twice a week throughout the summer.  

            I attended several competitive soccer team tryouts.  I was offered and accepted to play for Soccer Ole 05G Premier girls.  Coach VanCleave has great knowledge of the game and expects a lot from his players.  Although, we only had a few practices I can already tell a difference in the coaching.  COVID19 continues to challenge coaches with activities in my area, but Coach VanClaeave has put some good practices together without scrimmages.  I am really excited for the Spring Season brings with this new team.  It will be a challenge for me and having to compete for position and playing time, but I know I will grow and only get better.  Its also difficult to leave my friends, but I know this is the right thing for me to do to for the opportunity at the next level. 

         Fall 2020, Coach Owens assigned me to the JV Team for Arlington High School.  I know everyone wants to be on the Varsity Team , but with all the upper classmen for defense, I was relieved being on JV.  I knew my playing time would greater and still had to compete for playing time.  Our season went very well under a new coaching staff.  I felt myself grow as a player and game knowledge improve.  

       Winter 2020, we have had a coaching change with the Soccer Ole 05 Premier team.  I was immediately being pushed by Coach Vancleave and was learning a lot.  Under Coach Vancleave, I immediately earned the starting position for outside back.  Coach Vancleave preferred a three (3) back line versus the traditional four (4) back line.  This was a huge adjustment for me never playing it before.  I accepted the challenge with only one goal being scored from my side  for the 7 games played.  Our team record was 4-3.  New Coach Midyett, I do not know very well, but can already I will continue to be challenged.  I have continued my personal training with Coach Lacon and Coach Vancleave in different sessions every week which means I am working five (5) to six (6) times a week working with the ball.    My down days, I concentrate on stretching and light workouts.   I am very excited to see what Spring 2021 brings.       

         2021, I usually write by season, but going to write for 2021 all together.  2021 was a tough year with a new club coach and being placed on JV for HS.  The entire year tested my commitment to a game which I love.   Definitely has my ups and downs but worked through them all.  Reflecting on 2021, I can say it was a successful year for many reasons.  It caused me to step my game mentally, become a leader, and work ethic had to improve.  I started working out in the gym and spending more spare time on the fields with the ball.  I learned how to mentor younger players and decided without a doubt I will be playing soccer at the next level.   

           Spring 2022, although the W’s do not reflect the season it was great.  My coach supported me and pushed to take the ball further up the field than ever before.  I developed a great corner kick and developed good crosses.  We played at the top level of every tournament and Division 1 State League.  We had numerous distractions on the team, but we stuck together.   

           Fall 2022, new HS coach and thought my season would be different.  I continued to work hard and 1 of 2 defensive players that scored a goal from the wingback position.  Several testing moments, but not changing my direction or reaching my goal of playing college ball.  Extremely excited to start with my new club team 04/05 Lady Lobos Showcase Team.  Excited to see what my future in soccer will be like.