• Rondout Valley (NY)’s Soi is player to watch at Gold Standard Showcase

    By Chris Goldberg
    TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 6/19/22

    Rondout Valley (N.Y.) 2023 Johnny Soi has proven he can play on attack and excel as a two-way middie for a New York Sectional champion.

    Johnny Soi

    Now he wants to show Division 1 recruiters he can play at the highest level in college when he competes June 24 at the Victory Events Gold Standard Elite Showcase at Calvert Regional Park in North East, MD.

    Soi scored 74 goals and played a key role in helping Rondout Valley go from a 3-win team in 2021 to the Section 9 C champion in 2022. After starting out at attack to capitalize on his offensive skills, Soi was moved back to his midfield role and earned USA Lacrosse All-American as the Ganders defeated Wallkill, 12-10, for the Sectional crown.

    “We had a really good year, especially since we won only 3 games last year,” said Soi. “It was quite the turnaround. Our coaching staff is great and we’re all super close friends. We knew where we’d be on the field. We had to come from behind to beat Walkill.

    “I put in a lot of work. I have had some D2 and D3 offers, from some good schools. I am keeping every option open, but getting some summer D1 looks is one of my goals.”

    The Gold Standard Elite Showcase still has some openings at all positions. Players can register here – more info is below.

    Soi, who plays for NY Reign and the Upstate Salt Kings, said his biggest assets are his transition skills, versatility and his quick first step.

    “One of my biggest assets is going from defense to offense quickly,” he said. “A college coach told me I have a very good first step and I can go right or left pretty much the same.

    “I want to show what I can do at the D1 pace because you have to do everything faster at the D1 level. I think I am versatile; I can play defense, offense, man down, man up, and on the wing. I want to show I can play anywhere.”

    What does it take to shine as a showcase?

    “All the kids going in are all very skilled, and all are like minded and are chasing the same thing,” he said. “We want to play at a high level in college. I love playing in these events, it forces you to play at a higher level.”