SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, playing the game at the international level, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Bianca Raskin, who plays club soccer in the ECNL for FC Prime and has verbally committed to play for James Madison University in 2026.
SoccerWire Featured Player since January 2024.
What made you decide to verbally commit to JMU?
I had noticed JMU attending some of my events and they were my very first call on June 15th. I felt comfortable and the phone call went smoothly especially for it being my very first college call. A month passed by and when we circled back they wanted to schedule a visit. My official visit was by far my favorite of all my visits, I truly got to experience every part of the athletic and academic parts of the school. I fell in love with the campus, with the coaches, with the players and just the overall vibe. I left with an amazing feeling about everything, and Coach Josh knew I had a few more visits but he told me he wanted me to go through the entire process and then make my decision. After all my visits, I felt in my heart that JMU was the right place for me.
What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
The process has definitely had its ups and downs. I received so many calls, texts and emails that it took my mom and dad to help me create a calendar to organize all my calls. I handled every call by myself, and I had a notebook where I took notes from each conversation. I learned through this process that you should not put all your effort into just one school, because that school is also talking to multiple players so I would advise that when you are cutting it down to your top 5, to keep your focus on each one equally. I also learned that you become just a number, throughout the process and each time they watch you, you can either climb their chart or get dropped and it’s just part of the process. Just because you get 40 calls on June 15th does NOT mean you will have that many come August. You will go through times when they are non-stop calling then you will get ghosted for no reason. I learned to be patient and to just keep working on the end goal which is playing college soccer.
How do you feel your strengths on the field will help the Dukes?
My vision and technical ability as a midfielder will impact the team immediately. I love their style of play, they are very possession style and I feel that suits my game very well.
What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
My favorite subject is Math, it’s always been my strongest subject in school. In College I would love to study Veterinary Medicine.
What has your experience been like playing for FC Prime in the ECNL?
My experience has been great. They allow me to be creative. I have played a 6, 8 and 10, it just all depends on where I’m needed. They constantly push me to become a better version of myself and they always provide feedback so that I can work on improving and getting to that next level.
What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
I’m obsessed with Tiempos, its really all I wear. I usually make sure they are snug, it just helps me feel the ball better at my feet.
If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play at a high level, what would it be?
Never compare yourself to anyone else. Surround yourself with an amazing support system, whether it be your family, friends, trainers, therapists etc. Always keep grinding.
Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
Huge shoutout to Coach Mel, my trainer since I was 7 years old. I got most of my technique from her training and Eddie Johnson who pulled the best out of me in all our training sessions and always made time to have a heart to heart when I needed it the most.
Definitely can’t forget to shoutout my Futsal coach, Guga, I’ve known him since I was 7. I feel futsal is such a great way to elevate your decision making and forces you to play quickly. I love the intensity and pace of the game. His encouragement and guidance helped us win a National Futsal Championship in 2022.
I would also like to shoutout my current club coach, Coach Garvin to whom I am extremely grateful for and wish I had met many years ago, I promise to make you proud.
And lastly my family, my mom and dad and brother, they were there with me every step of this recruiting process. I could not have gotten through it without them.
