NSR Male AOD: Ryan Flores, 2013 soccer sweeper with 4.5 GPA, from Grant Community High IL

Ryan Flores epitomizes the high school student-athlete model for college coaches.  The 6’1″ 195-pound sweeper carries a very impressive 4.5 GPA with intentions of becoming an engineer.  Earning Academic All-Conference honors, Ryan plays club ball in the off season for the Warren Blazers organization with whom he competed in the Schwan USA Cup tournament.  He hails from Grant Community High School in Fox Lake, Illinois.  His NSR scout is Chicagoland Area Director Andrew Novelli.  In his scouting report on Ryan, Andrew says, “A physical and imposing defender capable of anchoring the defensive backfield. Uses his size (6’1-185) to body up his opponents and shield them away from the ball. Very aggressive. Good touch and leads teammates. A “director on the field” constantly communicating with his keeper and other defenders. Always in position to make the play and has great awareness. Dynamic three-sport athlete that wrestles and runs track (800, mile, 2-mile). Incredible endurance and plays the entire game. Very strong knowledge of the sport.” Ryan speaks to college coaches in his essay when he says, “From playing soccer I have learned several valuable life skills, but the greatest would be self management, leadership, and drive for success. My self management, or independence, was created through playing with a team. I learned that to become an effective part of a group, I had to learn my role and direct myself, because no other player had the same responsibilities as me. I gained leadership because I am a very outgoing person with strong opinions, so I naturally expressed my thoughts to my teammates during games and practices. Being a defender also helped because I could see the entire field at all times and I could yell out helpful options, even if I wasn’t involved in the play. Lastly, I obtained an unrelenting drive for success. With a very competitive nature, and being aggressive as I am on the field, I always wanted to be the man on top. With this drive I feel like it has helped me in school, and in sports to be the best person I can be.”