CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – The Grande Sports Academy home of the Real Salt Lake Academy is pleased to announce the verbal commitment of junior midfielder Adolfo “Fito” Ovalle to the University of Maryland.
Regarded as one of the nation’s elite programs, Ovalle couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to play for the Terrapins who won the NCAA Tournament in 2005 and 2008.
“Maryland has always been a top school soccer wise and academically,” Ovalle said. “I feel like Maryland is a school that is a kid’s dream to get to the next level and I’m excited to join a competitive environment so I can become a better player.”
Ovalle is currently in his second season at the Real Salt Lake Academy and has developed into a formidable defensive midfielder inside the Academies diamond-shaped midfield. Last year, Ovalle played for the U-15/16 Academy team and became one of the key players during the Claret-and-Cobalt’s postseason run, starting in all seven matches including the USSDA National Championship win over Solar Chelsea on July 20th, 2013.
Maryland has built a reputation as a hotbed for professional talent. In recent years, over 20 players have made the jump to the professional level, which includes four players who have featured for the United States men’s national team. Ovalle’s ultimate goal is to become a professional player, and he felt that Maryland is the best place to further his game.
“Talking to the coaches made me feel really comfortable knowing that is such a high intensity team. They made me feel like I would fit perfectly in the style of play and help me get to the next level.”