Personal Statement
As a Mid-Field Defender, I have a Calm temperament and Focused Mentality similar to the character in the movie The Blind Side; The Ability to Think Tactically and Anticipate What will Happen Next; A High Level of Core Physical Strength – I am dedicated to a high level of fitness; and the Traits of a Great Defender – Strong Heading Ability, Solid Tackles, Focused Ball Shielding, Ability to slow down the opponent and support the attack.
One last item to mention, I have a weapon – I am a dominant left-footed kicker with the nickname “The Boot”
I want to be a college athlete because continuing my education and athletics will allow me the avenue to continue to grow into a competent, responsible adult who strives to be the best they can be.
I always heard the phrase, that Good People are the ones to finish last. Throughout my life, I have been dealt a different deck of cards than the kids I grew up with. While many kids were going home after school to a house filled with happiness, family dinners, and good memories; my home life was surrounded by domestic violence and alcoholism. I had to grow up fast, missing a lot of my childhood. Soccer was my sanctuary I turned to, and I can honestly say, “It Saved My Life”. My love for Soccer kept me on a straight and narrow path for success. Soccer taught me hard work, focus, determination, and teamwork. A field is a place where I feel like I am in control, safe, and able to be myself. My coaches are the brightness in my day, teaching me new skills, positive reinforcement, feedback, and goals to strive for.
Here is what I can do for your team:
I have A Calm Temperament and a focused mentality: I have played defense since the age of 4. If you have seen the movie, “The Blind Side”, I have many of the same qualities as the main character, “Big Mike”. I am able to be calm, especially under pressure, and a protective instinct that will allow me to shield the ball as well. As a defender, I will get all sorts of things thrown at me that could easily lead to feelings of frustration, impatience, and even anger. My natural instinct is to mentally focus on my surroundings, remain calm, and evaluate the situation, and find the most desirable outcome.
The Ability to Think Tactically: As a Defender, I constantly face multiple situations where I have to see, think, and react fast to what is happening in front of me. I always consider the bigger picture of the game rather than just being focused on the moment I am in. It is not about what I am doing, but about my team’s tactics are and what my next move is to be.
Strong Heading Ability: When the ball is in the air, I am able to head the ball firmly in the direction I want to go. I am confident when I move towards the ball and the ability to head the ball away to protect the goal behind me. I was recognized last year for having the most headers in one season - 47 total.
I have a high Level of Core Physical Strength: When I am not on the soccer field, I am in the gym working on my core strength and cardio. My legs are strong and serve as a base for endurance, posture, power, and coordination. Due to my strong core physical strength, I have the ability to move fast and change direction quickly which is vital to my ability to win tackles.
I am able to shield the Ball Well: As with many of the qualities in this list, this one is linked to the previous point of having strong core strength. I can shield the ball well because I can physically hold back the opponent with my body. I am able to place myself between the ball and the opposition player preventing my opponent from being stealing the ball from me so I can potentially set up an attack.
My Ability to Tackle Well: I dedicate numerous hours In the gym to ensure that I have solid core strength. This enables me to position my body as an anchor, which gives me the ability to pivot and adjust to my opponent’s position. I have been told that running into me is like hitting a brick wall. In order to make a solid tackle, I read the other player’s body language in order to make that prediction and commit to the tackle. I take time to watch the ball and the player with the ball, follow their movement, and make a perfectly-timed tackle.
Dedication to a High Level of Fitness: Having a mother who was a former bodybuilder and athletic trainer, has given me the inspiration and desire to be the very best I can be. We are a team – we live a healthy lifestyle, incorporating gym time into our weekly routines. While other kids my age are more interested in the social scene; my time is spent in the gym working on my core strength and cardio. I know that in order to be the best player I can be, I need to be operating at the highest level of fitness only I can achieve.
Now, all I need is the opportunity.
All My Best,
Rylee Glandt
