Carolyn Clarke '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Carolyn Clarke, but on the field most people call me "CC". I attend WT Woodson High School in Fairfax, VA and will graduate in 2021. My first couple of youth coaches at SYA and FCV helped me develop strong technical skills, giving me confidence early on and helping me find my love for the game. This solid foundation helps me to make significant contributions on my club and high school teams.

My soccer journey definitely has not been typical but I wouldn't change anything. At age 14 just an 8th grader in middle school, I had my first real injury - a torn ACL. Finding out that the recovery would be 6-9 months of rehab, I kept thinking “why did this happen to me?" After getting over the initial shock I devoted my time to physical therapy and rehab after surgery. Hitting the different milestones of walking, not wearing a brace, straight line running and finally being cleared allowed me to set goals for myself. I worked to channel my competitive spirit into achieving each goal along the way. Getting cleared to play again was one of the happiest days of my life! Playing in my first tournament back, I went into a battle for the ball and felt the same "pop" - this time in my other knee.  I was sad and frustrated knowing I would be away from the game I love for at least another 6 months. This was definitely a detour in my journey, but my determination to recover stronger and better than before lit a fire for me. I worked hard at strengthening my knee and whole body.

Tearing both my ACLs has been one of the worst and best experiences of my life. Going through the long 6 month journey not once, but twice helped me realize how much I missed the game I love and that I want to continue playing at the next level. I grew as a player on the field - improving my work ethic, focus and determination. But off the field I also changed, finding my priorities, developing better leadership abilities both on and off the field and gaining a more mature perspective. Despite my injury freshman year, I still had a desire to contribute to the Woodson Soccer Program and volunteered as a manager for the team. 

In the classroom I maintain a 3.72GPA while participating in many clubs and volunteering. I am a member of The National Honor Society, Relay for Life and Woodson Buddies. I also enjoy volunteering with Special Olympics and LPGA* USGA Girls Golf.  I'm very interested in teaching and working with kids as a future career, having gained experience through volunteering, babysitting and refereeing youth soccer games.

My game has improved tremendously since I started, but I know I can be even better. I give 110% effort at every training session, games, and when working on my own. Whether I'm working on improving my technical skills, strength or fitness, my goal is to be challenged to push myself and those around me.

As a player, I am told I’m coachable, have good field vision and technical skills. I’m able to distribute well,  creating chances for my team, and work to capitalize on opportunities myself. While I play primarily as a central midfielder I’m an athletic and versatile player that allows me to also play as an outside midfielder, wing or forward.  I’m super excited about future opportunities and look forward to make meaningful contributions at the next level.