Focus on Controllables
It wasn’t that long ago that I was in the same situation the 2027’s are in now — waiting for September 1st, when Division I schools can start reaching out and offering scholarships. In just a few days, some athletes will get those calls. But the truth is, not everyone will.
And whether you’re one of the athletes who does or doesn’t, the most important thing you can do is focus on the controllables.
You can’t control if a coach likes you or not. You can’t control if a roster spot is open. But you can control your effort and your attitude.
Life will shut doors in your face all the time. The question is: do you keep fighting to open them, or do you let someone else decide your fate?
You get to go through this recruiting process. You get to wake up on September 1st and hit the wall. You get to work on your game, push yourself, and fight for your dream. And you get to play a sport you love. That’s the perspective that changes everything.
And attitude? That’s non-negotiable. Celebrate your friends’ successes. Cheer loudly when something good happens to someone else. When I went through recruiting, there were players I knew I was better than who got offers that I didn’t. Instead of sulking, I was happy for them — and I used it as fuel to work harder.
One of my dad’s favorite stories comes from my time at Clemson. Duke had been a school I was really interested in. At a tryout, one of their coaches texted my high school coach, complimenting my play but also saying they didn’t have any roster spots left. My dad appreciated the honesty, but I told him: if I’d played well enough, they would’ve made room. That day, I promised him if we ever played Duke, I’d make them regret not offering me.
When that day came, I called my dad before the game to remind him of that promise. Then I went out and scored four goals — including the last three — to lead Clemson to its first ACC win, upsetting #10 Duke 8–7.
That moment taught me something: no one defines you but you.
If your actions align with your goals — if you show up, put in the work, and stay consistent — you can make what you want happen.
So to all the 2027’s: as you step into this next chapter, don’t get lost in what you can’t control. Own your effort. Own your attitude. And remember — the controllables are always yours.
