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Greeneview soccer star Rylee Woods picks Michigan
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- Last Updated on Friday, 18 May 2012 16:24
- Published on Friday, 18 May 2012 12:17
JAMESTOWN — All his life Rylee Woods has worked to be the best.
The Greeneview High School junior spends hours each week commuting to Columbus, where he plays with the Crew Academy team. He’s constantly working out in the gym, Greeneview coach Bob Eakins said. Rylee’s dad Brad, a former soccer player himself, has had a lot to do with that.
“Never letting me be average is what helped me,” Rylee said. “He expects me to be the best and work hard no matter what. My work has got me where I’m at.”
Woods’ dedication has paid off in the opportunity to play college soccer at the highest level. He has verbally committed to the University of Michigan.
“It’s been my dream since I was little to play Division I soccer,” Rylee said. “It’s an amazing school. It’s ranked 14th in the world as a university. That’s pretty awesome. The coaches were great. Knowing I would get a good education and play great soccer, that’s what attracted me.”
Woods will receive a 70 percent scholarship his first two years and a 90 percent scholarship his last two years. He also had offers from Cincinnati, Ohio State and the College of Charleston.
“It’s impressive,” Eakins said. “It’s not a full scholarship, but it’s as close as you can get.”
“There were some other offers equal to Michigan,” Brad Woods said, “but the opportunity he has to get on the field is really good up there.”
Woods scored 32 goals and had nine assists last fall, leading the Rams to an 11-5-3 season. Eakins said Woods’ natural position is defensive back, but he plays up front at Greeneview because it needs his scoring.
Woods has another big decision to make before September. A new U.S. Soccer Federation policy extends the season for teams like the Crew Academy from September to June, meaning players must choose between playing for the academy team versus playing high school soccer.
Woods isn’t sure what he’ll decide. It’s a tough choice either way.
“We’d really like him to enjoy his last year in high school,” Brad Woods said. “At the same time, the opportunity the Crew organization is giving him is hard to pass up. The Crew has a lot invested in these kids. When you make the big team, it’s all funded.”
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