Vanessa Eljaiek Martinez '18 Recruiting Profile

The first time I really thought that I wanted to play soccer in college was when I moved to FC United at the beggining of sixth grade. At that try out I was a nervous wreck, but after one of the scariest days of my life I realized this sport could get me somewhere. The first year I was at FC I didn't make the top team. I was disappointed in myself, and honestly I almost decided not to play that year. I had been so confident and being placed on the second team tore me apart. It took me a while, but I composed myself and I thought to myself, how bad can this be? I stuck to it and worked as hard as I could at every practice, pushing myself to get better. I can honestly say making the second team at FC United my first year was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me. That year I grew not only as a player, but as a person. I learned to work with what I have and make the best of things, never give up. The next year I tried out once again, and I didn't care what team I made because I knew that I could work with whatever was thrown at me. During the last tryout of the 2013-2014 season, one of the coaches pulled me aside and told me there was a spot on the top team and asked me if I wanted in. Of course I accepted and it was one of the happiest days of my life. But before accepting I knew I wouldn't get much playing time, I didn't care, I knew I would work as hard as I could at practice and prove I deserved a starting spot. I sat on the bench most of the fall season, but it didn't stop me from working at practice and improving. I went from sitting on the bench to a starting left forward in a matter of months. This year I am the leading goal scorer on my team, I started from the bottom and with hard work I made it to where I am now. This taught me that if I work hard, and never give up, things will fall into place. Soccer has changed my life in so many aspects. I am looking for a college that can not only further improve me as a player, but better me as a person. In return they will receive, a disciplined, hard working and competitive player who will greatly impact their program. I know I have what it takes to play college soccer but I'm just looking for a college where I not only benefit them, but I benefit from them.