Paris Banks '17 Recruiting Profile

I started to play soccer in eighth grade, out of boredom and curiosity.When I joined the team I had no idea how to play or where to play all I knew was to score a lot of goals. (It turns out that I am better at preventing the other team from scoring.) When the season ended we lost every single game, but I liked playing soccer. Going into high school, I wanted to meet new people, so I decide to play soccer in high school too. The first tryout day was strenuous. I couldn't even pass the ball right, kick the ball right or even know any of the rules of soccer, all I knew was to have fun and enjoy doing it. My mom made me finish out the week of tryouts. My coach told me the team was short a goalkeeper and at the time I didn't know how to play that position. It turned out I had some natural ability. I was awarded the coaches player award and learned the ins and outs of the position. I sat down one day in July to watch a soccer match between USA Women team and Japan Women team for the championship changed my whole perspective of soccer and my love for the game. I was completely in awe and shock with the way they had so much pride and joy in winning the championship. This is when I knew I wanted to feel that exact same way and play for my nation.Ever since that day I started practicing more to get better and I hope to play professionally one day. If someone, ten years ago would have told me that I would be passionate about soccer and one day dream of playing professional soccer, I would have laughed. However, my life took a complete 360 degree turn with the sudden decision to pursue soccer at the age of sixteen.