Ellen Augsburger '10 Recruiting Profile

I am more than just a soccer player, I am an athlete. There is a difference in the sense that I am interested in all types of sports and physical activities. I am extremely into outdoor recreational activity in particular. I love to go mountain biking, getting muddy is a primary goal while I'm on the trails. I would consider myself to be a "moderately-intense" biker. (I have a rather witty sense of humor).I have gone whitewater rafting and I must say that is one of the biggest thrills I have ever experienced. I loved the thrill and feeling of not knowing just exactly how bad the next rapid would be. I envision my college experience providing me the opportunity to pursue my passion of soccer and achieving my educational goals while being able to explore new areas for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. It is important to me in my college search process that I find a school that is close to outdoor recreation activities. Not only is it important to me that the college is located in such an atmosphere for those activities but also for my choice of study. I currently am thinking about studying sports management but into depth, recreation management. I think I would truly benefit as a student if I was studying in an area that offers me hands on work and first-hand experience especially for the field of study I plan on pursuing. When I'm not playing soccer I like to devote my time to helping those less fortunate than me learn how to play soccer. On Saturday mornings during the Fall and Spring I volunteer as a mentor and friend to kids with mental and physical disabilities in a program called SpeNSA (Special Needs Soccer Association). In this program we play in mini soccer games and teach them how to pass a ball. Something so easy to most people is a trek for these kids I work with.I have learned to never take what I can do for granted. My abilities are a gift and that is something I probably wouldn't have noticed if I didn't work with these kids. With the work I have done with kids I would also consider majoring in something to do with childcare/social work. In the Spring of 2009 I traveled to a small town in Mexico named La Chinatla. There I was a volunteer who poured concrete roofs, painted fences, small two room motels, and played with the kids. I learned a great deal what it means to be a person of service as well as learn what it means to connect with people around the world. I am an outgoing individual who loves to be around people at all times. I love to entertain people and make them laugh. I adjust well to new settings and "go with the flow" attitude. While I love being around people a small to medium size school would be perfect for me and my academic needs. I am a student who needs the individual attention I can get to succeed in the classroom. My dad is a small business owner and I do plan on applying for FAFSA.