Juan Suárez

When we talk about college soccer in the United States, it's common to picture players coming from major academies, national-level categories, or top programs in Spain. But not every story starts there. Juan Suárez's story is different.

Juan was playing in Tercera Asturfútbol, the lowest category of Asturian football, and came into our process with a clear goal: to find an opportunity that would let him keep growing as a soccer player while studying in the United States. And there was one number that stood out above everything else: Juan was the top scorer in his category.

Juan's profile

Juan joined the process aiming to start his college experience in the United States as a Sophomore. Up to that point, his athletic career had unfolded in Asturian football, competing in Tercera Asturfútbol. He wasn't a player coming from one of Spanish soccer's major development structures. But the numbers told another story too: he was the top scorer in his category. And when we evaluate a player, we don't think it's enough to look only at the name of the competition he plays in. You have to understand what he can bring to the table.

The challenge: finding the right opportunity

The goal wasn't simply to find a university. It was to find a university that fit Juan: an opportunity where he could keep developing as a player, compete, study, and adapt to a new athletic and academic culture.

Not every player needs to follow the same path. The university that's perfect for one player may not be right for another. That's why our job is to analyze each profile individually and look for opportunities that make sense for that student-athlete.

The importance of looking beyond the category

One of the most common mistakes when a player starts considering the United States is assuming that his current category directly determines his chances. The reality is more complex: college coaches evaluate many different aspects of a player's profile.

• Position
• Physical traits
• Technical ability
• Performance
• Development potential
• Competitive experience
• Goal-scoring ability
• Academic profile
• Attitude and commitment

In Juan's case, his ability to score goals was one of the standout elements of his profile. And our job was to find a program capable of valuing those traits.

The result: Williams Baptist University

The process ended with an opportunity for Juan at Williams Baptist University, in the United States. Juan will join as a Sophomore, continuing his academic and athletic development there.

But beyond any number, the result represents something far more important: a player who was competing in Tercera Asturfútbol will now have the chance to continue his studies and his athletic career at an American university.

Do you need to play in a top category to get an opportunity in the United States?

There's no automatic answer. Every player has different qualities, and every university looks for different profiles. That's why at Eleven Up Sports we don't see the scholarship process as simply ranking players by the category they play in. We see it as a search for fit.

• What can this player bring?
• Which universities might value that profile?
• What competitive level will help him grow?
• Which academic option makes sense?
• And what financial scenario can the family take on?

These are some of the questions that need answers before choosing a university.

The goal isn't always NCAA Division I

Another common mistake is assuming that a good college opportunity has to be an NCAA Division I school. College soccer in the United States offers different levels and athletic models. In some cases, a school at another level can offer a player:

• More opportunities to compete
• A bigger role on the team
• An athletic program suited to his level
• A solid academic education
• An environment that favors his development
• And an extraordinary international experience

The right university isn't necessarily the most famous one. It's the one that best fits the player and his goals.

Juan's story in one sentence

From top scorer in Tercera Asturfútbol to student-athlete at a university in the United States.

Juan's story proves something we firmly believe: a player's starting point doesn't have to determine his destination. Not every player needs to reach the United States from a major academy or a national category. Sometimes what they need is to correctly analyze their profile, understand their options, and find the right college program.