Martin Thompson Riggins '16 Recruiting Profile

I'm a leader on the field: I lead by example through high-level play and expectations as well as sportsmanship, energy, and a sense of calm. I'm recognized for my technique, touches, possession play, shooting both inside and outside the box, ball placement, ability to think several plays ahead and anticipate play, my speed, and my flexibility. This has allowed me to play all different positions on the field. I have the will to be consistent and to out-work my opponents. In addition, I am respectful to all my teammates, the coaches, and the refs, and I'm good at keeping my emotions under control by channeling them into my play. I don't put others down. I give constructive criticism when it is necessary. I handle being criticized well and I use it to improve. These traits are why I'm often chosen as Captain. 

I've known I wanted to play high-level soccer since I was 5, living in London, England, repeatedly practicing skills taught by coaches who played professionally in the UK. They showed me I could make soccer a career. I plan to major in a subject related to this passion, such as sports medicine or sports management, and to combine it with coaching. I want to play soccer at the highest level possible where I can be on the field in games as a part of a competitive team and continue to be an impact player like I am now, and to someday play for a professional team. 

Playing soccer in London from ages 4 to 10 was one of the biggest influences on me as a player. I grew up playing club ball with a coach  who combined British soccer with the Bolivian Tahuichi style, which uses a smaller ball and greater technical skill. When not at my 4 practices a week, I played street ball with kids twice my age. It was normal to play with both feet, learn the Scorpion at age 8, do 100+ juggles by 10, develop a soft touch, and focus on technique and using your whole body in play. This is my foundation.

I work hard in school and to the best of my ability. I reach out for help if I am struggling in a class until I get it. I have great relationships with my teachers. I am determined and I persevere until I meet my goals. I regularly receive positive feedback from teachers as well as compliments on the pitch for my play from opponents' coaches, including at games, tournaments and the Varsity coaches at Cumberland Valley, Central Dauphin and others in our competitive high school league. My high school coach called me "a flying Ninja on the field" and said I have the best touch he'd seen in a long time. In all, I bring a sense of maturity, respect and passion to all I do, especially to soccer.