The college recruitment process is often a tumultuous road, overburdened with travel schedules, scouting reports and lasting decisions that pressure schools and student-athletes alike.
For Dynamo Academy forward Carlos Recinos, Coastal Carolina University only needed one phone call and a referral from Dynamo coaches before the institution offered the academy's top scorer a full scholarship. Recinos is one of three native Texans among the Chanticleers' 2008 recruiting class.
Before heading to Conway, S.C. this fall, Recinos will spend his summer competing with the Dynamo Academy U-18 team, a squad that he has participated with since the program's inception in 2006. The group's summer slate contains jaunts to Dallas, McAllen and Monterrey, Mexico.
The trips serve as Recinos' chance to enhance an already astounding résumé with the team. The striker netted a team-best 10 goals in his last 20 appearances and currently holds the program's top ranking for career goals, finishing more than 20 opportunities during his tenure. Recinos hopes that his previous marks and his upcoming performances will help him earn honors as one of the Dynamo's protected players.
Members of the protected player list are recognized as elite members of their class and can freely sign with their home club without opposition from any league competitors. Director of Youth Development James Clarkson is one of a handful of administrators who helps form this list of players for the Houston Dynamo.
"Carlos' development in our academy has been outstanding and being placed on the protected players list is his reward for his dedication to his soccer development," Clarkson said. "He needs to continue his work-ethic and determination at college in order to make the step to the next level."
If Recinos earns a spot on the protected players list, the 5-foot-8, 160-pounder would be one step closer to his goal of competing with the Dynamo's first team. Due to the structure of the academy, Recinos is already familiar with the team's practice style, as directors model the development sessions after those of the first team. Recinos believes fresh approaches to practice are one of the program's strengths.
"There is always something new," Recinos said. "They are not always making us do the same thing. They change practice all the time, so that keeps you on your toes and makes you learn new things quickly."
Recinos' reaction time proved to be a necessary component of the striker's repertoire, as he suffered a critical injury during his freshman year of high school. The Cy-Ridge student fractured his tibia and dislocated his ankle, slowing his competitive soccer career, but Recinos battled through the impediment with a strong will.
This aptitude in high-pressure situations carried into the academy, as he entered the organization at midfield before shifting to the head of the attack. Recinos displayed his ability to adapt at last summer's SUM Cup, fronting the Dynamo charge to post the only hat trick in the academy's history after converting four chances in a 5-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls.
A true student of the game, the 2008 Dallas Cup champion clearly excels at his new position, but the success did not come without study and practice.
"At first it was pretty hard because I needed to learn how to make runs and time them correctly," Recinos said. "A lot of things had to go into it, but now it is easier. I make sure to listen to the coaches and let them tell me what I need to do."
Solid coaching has influenced Recinos on the field, improving the striker's ability to view the field and capitalize on open opportunities, but the influence carries past the pitch as well. He hopes to help other players reach goals similar to his own by one day becoming a soccer coach or trainer, stating that he wants to make a difference in everything he does.
Recinos has already made a significant impact on his team's side of the scoreboard, and having previously overcome a path laden with obstacles, his efforts should continue to make a difference.
For more information on the Dynamo Academy and other youth development programs, log on to http://houston.mlsnet.com/t200/youth/.
