Name: Robert Lara Jr.
Team: B02/03 Red
Number of Years at Copa: 4
HS: Old Bridge High School
HS Honors: Honor Roll
Coaches at Copa: Coach Craig Stolarski, Coach Pablo Andino
College Attending: Medaille College
Anticipated Major: N/A
What are your most memorable moments or experiences at FC Copa Academy?
My most memorable experience with FC Copa was traveling to Maryland for the Potomac Tournament. We got to spend a lot of time together as a team on and off the field. It was fun bonding during those tournaments and it made us stronger as a team.
How did FC Copa Academy help you become the player you are today?
FC Copa helped me have more confidence in myself as a player. I am a much stronger and more physical player now. My Copa experience also showed me how to have structure, accountability, responsibility, and organization.
How did FC Copa Academy help you get into the college program you will be attending? FC Copa gave me a great platform to showcase my skills by attending various college showcases and getting in front of a number of college coaches.
What are your thoughts and experiences on the collegiate recruitment process with FC Copa Academy? The college recruiting process can be very stressful. My coaches were great and were able to help me by contacting college coaches to advocate for me.
What advice would you give to future FC Copa Academy athletes going through the collegiate recruitment process?
If playing soccer in college is something you really want to do, send a lot of emails to coaches and keep communication open. Staying in contact with coaches makes all the difference.