Personal Statement

Touches on the ball start at age 18 months in the Pap household. Soccer is my love and passion. From the time I was 3 years old, I was playing on an organized team, outside, year round (even in the snow) and loving every minute of it! I train every day on my own, and also several times a week with my team and with private trainers in order to maintain sharp skills, peak performance, conditioning and high soccer IQ. I also prioritize good nutrition, recovery therapy and injury prevention techniques. I enjoy being part of a team that works together, supports each other, and pushes each other to grow and achieve our greatest potential. I am very coachable and pride myself on being one of the hardest working players (e.g., always the first to arrive and the last to leave, always have a positive attitude and always give my best effort). I am a true student of the game, and I am interested in the strategy and mental toughness it takes to play, develop and compete at the highest level. Soccer is a way of life for my family and I. My father and all of my uncles (on both sides of my family) were varsity college athletes. They have instilled in me that athleticism and genetics will only go so far, and that consistent hard work, drive and dedication are necessary to be privileged enough to play in college and beyond. This is my dream, and someday I hope to continue that Pap legacy and contribute my skills to a varsity college soccer team.