See Where Pivot Players Are Now: Success Stories, Real Journeys, and Lessons Learned
Below is a showcase of some players who have been through the Pivot program, each with unique paths, starting points, and outcomes. The ratings here range from 0 to 10, with 0 representing minimal proficiency and 10 representing excellence. These players, now aged 17-24, began their journeys with Pivot at different stages—some as young as 8, and others joining later, making their development more challenging. Some stayed the course and saw remarkable growth, while others chose different paths or quit along the way, ultimately changing their outcomes.
Each of these players set out with a dream to go pro. Not all succeeded, but this detailed journey breakdown shows where specific factors like training consistency, mental mastery, speed of play or individual tactical development, positional specific tactical development, game tactical understanding, technical development, passion, focus, dedication, and coachability made a difference. We hope you find insight here into what helped some players succeed and others fall short. By learning from their experiences, you can better identify what it will take to reach your goals and surpass those who came before you.
Players
Player Name | Talent | Instinct | Athleticism | Speed | Explosiveness | Strength | Discipline | Desire | Focus | Passion | Coachability | Intelligence | Leadership | Grit | Mental Mastery | Technical | Dribbling | Shooting | Passing | Vision | Game Tactical | Individual Tactical | Team Level | Extra Training | Position(s) | School | Parent | Where is he now | Initial Goal | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | 5 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Highest Academy level after 12 yo | Yes but not consistently, only when convenient | CB/RB/AM/Winger | Did not Prioritize | Too easy on him, would let him get away with no training or lack of effort. Always made excuses for him. | Playing in Junior College | Professional | He joined Pivot at age 12 with raw skills, limited technical ability, and a strong reliance on his size and speed—traits that set him apart at that age due to his height and pace. By 16, we facilitated his entry into an MLS Academy. However, he and his parents struggled with ego challenges, and his performance in European clubs didn’t stand out; feedback noted that his attitude lacked resilience when he couldn’t outpace his opponents. After two years, he returned from the MLS clubs without significant progress, having neglected his studies along the way. He attended several youth national team camps but never fully capitalized on those opportunities. |
A1 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 5 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | CB/LB | Didn’t prioritize | Involved but did not parent. They were just supportive of him with no guidance | USL I | Professional | He joined Pivot at age 12 as a talented, motivated, and hard-working player with a high level of emotional maturity. Although he excelled on the field, he never prioritized academics. After spending a year abroad in a pay-to-play U.S./European partnership program, he returned to the U.S., where we helped him join a USL Academy. He eventually chose to pursue his path with the USL I academy and team. Despite our guidance, he remained uninterested in college. Currently, he earns $1,200 per month and was invited to one youth national team camp. |
A2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Lower levels | Yes but not often, only when convenient | Winger/striker | Did not Prioritize | Involved but misguided and very limited guidance | No Longer plays | Professional | He first joined Pivot at age 15, but left after his father believed speed and strength training were more important than technical skill and tactical understanding. Without a focus on studying or building Speed of Play, he relied on his athleticism, which worked at lower levels but left him unprepared for higher competition. He returned at 17 with poor soccer habits and limited commitment to personal development. Now, with no college interest or options, he’s taking a gap year. |
A3 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | Lower levels all the time | Yes but not consistently, only when convenient | Winger/AM/DM | Did not Prioritize | No Supportive or involved | No Longer plays | Professional | A highly talented and technical player, he joined Pivot during a gap year at age 19. Having played only in local clubs below ECNL and MLS Next levels, he had relied on his speed and technical skills but was never exposed to Individual, Positional, or Game Tactical training. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I wish I had known about this when I was 10.” Currently, he isn’t in college or on a team, playing only in pick-up games with friends. We arranged a few international tryouts, but the feedback was consistent: “talented and technical, but too far behind tactically to progress further.” |
A4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | Played lower levels until 14 then Highest Academy level | Yes but not consistently due to injuries constantly. | Winger/AM | Prioritized | supportive | D2 Soccer Scholarship | Professional | He joined us at 16, around mid-11th grade, as a technically strong player already part of an MLS Next Academy but struggling with recurring injuries. While he initially lacked in Individual, Positional, and Game Tactical skills, he was dedicated to improving his weaknesses. Through consistent effort, he was able to accomplish what many others could not. |
C | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 5 | Lower academy levels until he was 16, then to highest level | Yes | Winger | Prioritized | Involved and supportive | D1 Scholarship | Professional | He joined us at 15 as a raw talent, playing at lower levels but with strong instincts. He fully committed to developing his Individual and Game Tactical understanding, and within a year, he earned a spot on an MLS Next team. After international tryouts, he ultimately chose to pursue a college scholarship. |
C1 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 5 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | CB/FB | Did not Prioritize | Somewhat involved | USL Academy | Professional | He joined us at 13 as a hardworking, raw talent. Though dedicated, he lacked key aspects like Individual and Game Tactical understanding, as well as Mental Mastery. After several international tryouts, he’s now training in a USL Academy. |
D | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes but not often, only when convenient | CB/FB | Prioritized | Too easy on him, would let him get away with no training or lack of effort. Always made excuses for him. | No Longer plays | Professional | He joined us at age 12, a fast, strong, but very raw talent—towering over his peers in size and speed. However, his parents’ inconsistent commitment to training posed a major challenge; missed sessions often had reasons like family events, appointments, or school. By age 16, he advanced to an MLS academy based largely on his physical abilities, though he had not yet mastered the essential Individual or Positional Tactical skills or developed the mental resilience required at this level. He attended one national team camp but was released from the academy in his final year, with no college offers following. |
D1 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 2 | Lower Levels | Yes but not consistently, only when convenient | AM | Did not Prioritize | Not Involved | Junior College | Professional | He joined us as a senior in high school, bringing talent but facing challenges with his smaller size and slower speed. Although he was an instinctive player, he lacked critical Individual and Game Tactical skills. His approach was more “interested” than “committed,” often finding reasons to avoid the necessary training and study sessions, which ultimately limited his progress. |
D2 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | Good level then to Highest Academy level after 16 | Yes mostly futsal until last year joined up. Arrived his last year Of club | FB | Prioritized | supportive | Pro 2nd Division Europe | Professional | He joined us in his junior year of high school, bringing solid technical skills and extensive futsal experience, though this hadn’t translated effectively to the full soccer field. Driven and eager to learn, he often remarked, "I wish I'd found Pivot when I was younger." We secured tryouts with European clubs for him, leading to an offer he accepted. Opting out of the college route, he now earns approximately $2,000 a month playing abroad. |
D3 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | DM | Always Prioritized | Very supportive and involved | MLS Next Pro | Professional | He joined us at age 10. His father, an experienced soccer coach, had a strong understanding of the game. Though he faced challenges with mental toughness, he was an incredibly sharp student of the sport, showcasing top-level talent. He was called up to multiple youth national team camps, representing the US National Team, and also received invitations to camps for the Youth Mexican National Team. He captained the US Youth National Team. Throughout his journey, he trained at several MLS academies, but struggled to find a fit, as they were all in search of a more physically dominant, defensive midfielder rather than a playmaker like Busquets. |
D4 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes but not often, only when convenient | FB/Winger/AM/DM | Prioritized | Very supportive but did not guide him. They were helping him make excuses and only focused on his strength of natural physicality with speed and explosiveness. | No Longer plays | Professional | He joined our program at age 8, a very talented and athletic player. However, both his parents and coaches focused mainly on his athleticism and speed. He moved from one team to another, unable to handle coaches who pushed him to improve. He frequently missed training sessions that could have helped him develop his speed of play. When he couldn’t do something perfectly, he would completely break down and throw tantrums. He struggled to master his emotions, and his parents often made excuses for him. Ultimately, he shifted his focus to Track and Field by age 15 and earned a college spot there. Soccer lost a great player due to poor coaching and our inability to help him develop mental and emotional resilience, as we were never given the opportunity to provide him with the tools to master his mind and emotions. |
E | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | Winger/AM | Prioritized | Highly involved, highly supportive, constantly pushing the limit | Pro 2nd Division Europe | Professional | He joined us at age 12, on and off, with his father also playing a key role in his training. Highly dedicated, he captained the US Youth National Team for several years. Having a European passport allowed him to pursue opportunities in Europe, where he played for three first-division clubs, earning salaries over $10K per month. While he was doing well initially, the past two years have been challenging, as he has struggled for playing time and has rarely even made the bench. |
E1 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes but not consistently, only when convenient | Winger/AM | Did not Prioritize | Highly involved but not guiding him properly | Dropped from MLS Academy to MLS Next (still time to recover) | Professional | He first joined us at age 8, initially on and off. A talented player, he struggled with mental mastery at an early age, and lacked individual and positional tactical awareness. After spending a year at an MLS academy, he returned to us. Now, he's focusing on improving his habits and strengthening the mental aspect of his game in hopes of revitalizing his career. |
G | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes but not consistently, only when convenient | Winger/AM | Didn’t prioritize | Too easy on him, would let him get away with no training or lack of effort. Always made excuses for him. | Goes to Local Junior College and no longer plays soccer | Professional | He joined us at age 12. An extremely talented, fast, and instinctive player, but with very poor discipline and grit. He showed little desire to work hard, and his parents often made excuses for why he couldn’t attend training or didn’t "feel like it." We sent him to several international tryouts with mixed results. One European club showed strong interest, but he felt it wasn’t a good enough opportunity for him. He was also called to a couple of Youth National Team tryouts. Eventually, we placed him in a USL academy, but after returning, he stopped putting in the effort. |
G1 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Lower levels consistently due to father wanting to coach him and control the environment. | Yes but not consistently and would quit if he was not the super star. | Striker | Prioritized but did not perform well | Involved but misguided and very limited. | No longer plays | Professional | He joined us at age 11 and left at age 13. His father, who had coached and managed his team, heavily influenced his environment. Technically, tactically, and mentally, he was weak, but his height, strength, and long legs at a young age helped him get ahead initially. However, his father decided to take him to play in lower leagues, which ultimately hindered his development and caused him to miss out on key opportunities to grow as a player. |
I | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | Lower levels of academy until 12 then Highest Academy then joined private high school team | Yes but not consistent and after joining private high school quit | Winger/AM | Prioritized but did not perform well | Involved but misguided and very limited. | D2 College | Professional | He joined us at age 11. Technically skilled, but his mental, individual tactical, and positional aspects of the game were lacking. He chose to join a private high school soccer team for a scholarship opportunity. After playing a season with a USL academy team, his commitment waned. He wasn’t attending all training sessions and was very inconsistent. It’s difficult to help a player develop the right habits when their dedication isn’t steady. |
I1 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | FB/AM/Winger/DM | Prioritized | Highly involved, highly supportive, constantly pushing the limit | Pro 3rd Division Europe | Professional | He joined us at age 12, and by age 16, we were able to send him to a Residency Soccer program in the US. After being released, he played in MLS Next academies and was invited to a youth national team camp. Unfortunately, injuries during his final year of high school hindered his development. He did not prioritize school, believing the pro pathway was his only option. Currently, he is playing in a league equivalent to the 3rd division in Europe. |
J | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes but not consistent only when convenient | AM/DM | Prioritized | Highly involved, highly supportive, constantly pushing the limit | D1 College | Professional | He joined us at age 12, displaying immense talent. Initially, he was fast, strong, with powerful kicks and exceptional dribbling skills. At 16, he spent a year in a European pay-to-play model, which turned out to be a disaster. He regressed, and by the time he returned, he had lost many of his key attributes. After a year of focused work, we helped him secure a spot in an MLS academy. Unfortunately, he was released during his senior year, but he later received a Division 1 college offer. |
J1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | CB | Prioritized | Highly involved, highly supportive, constantly pushing the limit | D1 Scholarship | Professional | He joined us at age 11, a very intelligent player, but initially lagged behind his peers. At 17, during his senior year of high school, he left to join an MLS academy. After taking a gap year, he ultimately earned a Division 1 college scholarship. |
J2 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | Striker | Prioritized | Highly involved, highly supportive, constantly pushing the limit | MLS Next Pro | Professional | He joined us at age 8, an instinctive, dedicated, and driven player. While he was behind technically, tactically, and positionally, he worked tirelessly to improve his knowledge and skills. He attended multiple tryouts worldwide and ultimately accepted an offer from an MLS academy. |
J3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Lower levels throughout, Played mostly in Mexico and in US in Mexican Leagues | Yes but not consistently, only when convenient. Arrived too late, too Little dedication to learn. | AM | Prioritized | supportive | No longer plays | Professional | He came to us at age 16 with a weak development history. His biggest challenge was a lack of dedication and consistency in his training. He had never developed the habit of regular, focused practice. Having played in local leagues in Mexico his whole life, he believed that hard work and an aggressive playing style alone would be enough to succeed. |
K | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 6 | Played lower levels until 14, then Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | Winger/AM | Prioritized | Somewhat involved | D1 Scholarship | Professional | A highly talented and instinctive player, he joined us at age 16. He was very consistent and had the potential to secure pro contracts in Mexico. However, he chose a Division 1 college scholarship as the best path for his future. |
K1 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | Winger/AM/DM/CB/FB | Prioritized | Highly involved, highly supportive, constantly pushing the limit | MLS Academy/headed to D1 | Professional | Very athletic, he joined us at age 13 with raw talent. While technically not yet proficient, he had a strong drive and motivation. Mentally resilient at times, though not always consistent, he worked tirelessly to improve. His dedication paid off, as he earned a spot in an MLS Next academy. He received offers from a top-tier Division 1 college and a pro offer from a first-division European club. |
L | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 2 | Lower academy levels | Yes but joined once he was in college already | DM | Prioritized | Supportive | Junior College | Professional | He joined us at age 19, expressing that his biggest regret was not discovering our training earlier. A smart and dedicated player, he was significantly behind in terms of individual tactics and game awareness. |
L1 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | Highest Academy level all the time, paid to go to Europe to play for pay to play program | Yes but not consistent only when convenient | AM/Striker | Did not Prioritize | Involved but did not parent. They were just supportive of him with no guidance, made excuses for him | No Longer plays | Professional | He joined us at age 8, but his participation was inconsistent. He viewed the program more as a chance to get touches on the ball and socialize, rather than understanding the true purpose of developing proper individual habits or positional tactics. Speed of play was always an issue, and mental mastery needed work. When many of the players who started with him moved on to MLS academies and he didn't receive an offer, he chose the easier path by joining a US-based European pay-to-play program. Unfortunately, not only did he fail to learn a new language, but his soccer also declined. His speed of play deteriorated, and his mindset weakened as he avoided challenges. Having been away, no colleges have seen him, and as a senior, he has no offers. He is not playing for any MLS Next or higher-level clubs. |
L2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Lower levels till 14 then Highest Academy level all the time | Yes but not consistent only when convenient and arrived during last year of academy | CB | Did not Prioritize | Not Involved | No Longer plays | Professional | He joined us at age 16, during his junior year of high school. Academics were not a priority for him. As a 12- or 13-year-old, he was tall and strong, so his club had placed him as a center-back. However, it was clear he wouldn't grow taller than 5'9", and that position wouldn’t suit him in the long run. By his senior year, it became evident that he wouldn’t excel as a center-back, and with no college offers on the horizon, it was too late to switch his position. He wasn't fully committed—he needed to focus on mental mastery, speed of play, individual tactical development, and positional understanding, but he never fully dedicated himself to these areas. |
M | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | AM | Prioritized | Highly involved, highly supportive, constantly pushing the limit | D1 Scholarship | Professional | He joined us at age 8, small in stature and often the smallest and slowest player on the field. Despite this, he was incredibly talented with excellent vision, and his parents were fully supportive of his development. He was called up to multiple youth national team camps and was scouted by the Mexican Youth National Team, although he didn't qualify. He spent one year with a USL academy, and we also sent him to several international team trials. Ultimately, he was offered two professional contracts but chose to accept a Division 1 college scholarship instead. |
M1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 4 | Highest Academy level all the time then dropped to lower level after 16 | Yes but not consistently, only when convenient | CB/DM/AM | Prioritized | Somewhat involved but did not push him to be consistent | D3 College | Professional | He joined us at age 13. A smart player with strong technical ability, but he lacked individual and positional tactical awareness. Mental mastery was a key area for improvement, but his commitment was not fully there. He often missed practice sessions for various reasons and didn't engage with the study materials. As he got older, technical skills became less important. Although he was tall, he lacked speed, which led to him being dropped from the MLS Next team to a lower level. However, he regained his place on the MLS Next team during his senior year of high school and ultimately received a college offer. |
N | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | LB/RB/AM/Winger/Striker | Prioritized | Highly involved, highly supportive, constantly pushing the limit | MLS Academy | Professional | He joined us at age 11, technically skilled but in need of development in individual and positional tactics. Very driven and goal-oriented, he made significant progress with Mental Mastery. We helped him secure a spot in an MLS academy, but after two years, he was released. Despite this setback, he signed with another MLS academy. The period between the two academies was challenging, but he credits his Mental Mastery for helping him navigate that difficult time. Initially, his appeal was based on his attitude, desire, drive, speed, and athleticism. Now, he is sought after not only for those qualities but also for his improved speed of play and tactical understanding of the game. |
O | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes but arrived last year of academy | FB | Did not Prioritize | Not Involved | Pro 3rd Divisions Europe | Professional | He joined us at age 17, during his senior year of high school. He was significantly behind in individual and positional tactics, which was his main weakness. However, he was highly motivated and worked incredibly hard, earning an offer from a third-division club in Europe. Education was not a priority for him at the time, and he focused entirely on pursuing his soccer career. |
P | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | Lower levels until 16 then Highest Academy level all the time | Yes but not consistently, only when convenient arrived when last Year of Academy | AM | Did not Prioritize | Not Involved | Junior College | Professional | He joined us at age 16, just before his senior year of high school. He lacked motivation and commitment, and mentally, he needed significant support. His individual and positional tactical awareness were major weaknesses, and he didn’t have the proper guidance or support system around him to help him improve. |
R | 8 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | Started at lower levels, then Highest Academy level after 12, then down to Lower level after 16 | Yes but not consistently, only when convenient | GK | Did not Prioritize | Involved but misguided. Made excuses for him. | No Longer plays | Professional | He joined us at age 12, but lacked proper guidance and support from his family. He had a significant need for Mental Mastery and struggled with dedication and commitment, both personally and from his family. We sent him to an MLS academy, but he was released as a goalkeeper at 5'11". His lack of drive and motivation ultimately led him to step away from pursuing soccer. |
R1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | Highest Academy level but followed another player whose father was coaching At lower level and stayed at lower level after 14 | Yes until he left at 14 | CB/FB | Prioritized | Involved but misguided and very limited. Influenced by other parent who wanted to form a team for his own son. | No Longer plays | Professional | He joined us at age 12, highly motivated and hardworking, though not particularly talented or technical—he was all heart. Unfortunately, by age 14, he was influenced by another parent who coached his own son and persuaded him to join a lower-level team. This decision led to further regression in his development. |
R2 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 6 | Highest Academy level after 14 yo | Yes | Winger/AM | Prioritized | Somewhat involved | D2 Soccer Scholarship | Professional | He joined us at age 13. Although he was playing in lower-level leagues, his talent was undeniable. After working with him for a year, we helped him earn a spot on an MLS Next team, and he was called up to a Youth Mexican National Team camp. Ultimately, he received a Division 2 college scholarship. |
S | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 2 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | Striker | Prioritized | Highly involved, highly supportive, constantly pushing the limit | D1 Scholarship | Professional | He joined us at age 12, a highly instinctive striker with a natural nose for goal. Many coaches overlooked him because he didn’t fit the traditional striker mold and lacked technical finesse. He required patience and development, but his natural ability stood out. |
T | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | Played lower levels until 16 then Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | DM/AM | Prioritized | Highly involved, highly supportive, constantly pushing the limit | D1 Scholarship | Professional | He joined us at age 9, playing at lower levels of a youth academy. His father was highly motivated and supportive. While he was driven, he lacked Mental Mastery. Technically skilled, he struggled with individual and positional tactical aspects of the game. With hard work and development, he eventually reached the MLS Next level and earned a Division 1 college scholarship. |
T1 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes but not consistent only when convenient | CB | Prioritized | Not Involved | D2 College | Professional | He joined us at age 16, playing for an MLS Next team. While talented, he lacked the speed, strength, and tactical awareness—both individually and positionally—required for top-level college soccer. His dedication and commitment to development were not at the necessary level to help him achieve his goals. |
X | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | Highest Academy level all the time | Yes | AM | Did not Prioritize | Highly involved, highly supportive, constantly pushing the limit | Pro USL | Professional | He joined us at age 9, a highly motivated and talented player with great street smarts. His father, well-versed in soccer, supported his development. However, discipline was always a challenge for him, and he wasn’t interested in studying. His parents focused solely on his path to becoming a professional player. Since college wasn’t an option, he joined a USL academy and eventually received a USL pro contract offer. |