PrepSoccer Spotlight: AJ Brown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a big day for AJ Brown and other member of the 2026 graduating class. June 15th is when players from that graduating class can start speaking directly to college coaches, meaning there is no better time to do a PrepSoccer spotlight on the outstanding rising junior keeper from the state of Georgia. Brown is motivated, disciplined and dedicated. He will be a great success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["115803"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-666c8f04477cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brown found the sport of soccer at age five, playing for a small club called Carroll County Fusion. After playing in eighth grade, and becoming a captain, something clicked and it was the summer before his freshman year where he became very serious about the sport and about being a keeper. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I have loved soccer from day one," Brown said. "I love the energy, the constant motion, and predicting where the ball will be next.&nbsp;It is a physical and a mental game. My very first game at age five, I found myself in front of the goal.&nbsp;I even earned the nickname 'Waffle House' because my coach said I smothered and covered the ball.&nbsp;While I played on the field successfully, I always found myself wanting to be back in the goal.&nbsp;I made the decision during middle school to commit to the goalkeeper position and I have enjoyed it every day since."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Since then it has been nothing but accolades and invites. He made the Atlanta United Regional Development School, where he won a keeper skills award and was selected to the Atlanta United RDS Showcase. He has attended the Nike Soccer Camp at Berry College, winning the keeper MVP award, and has since attended other ID camps. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The accolades are impressive as he has been All-Region selection, the MVP of the Division I All-State game and was selected GACA All-State, GHSS Pre-Season All-State the following year, 2024, and played in the GACA All-Star game. He has piled up recognition after recognition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With all the recognition, will come attention, and with the June 15th date now here, Brown should expect plenty of that. He will be a heavily sought after keeper from the class of 2026 and he should be hearing from plenty of schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Now that the recruitment window is open for me, I am very excited that I can now talk to these coaches," Brown said. "It feels like a great opportunity to grow contacts and relationships with these coaches.&nbsp;I want them to see what kind of student and player that I am. I also want them to see what an asset I will be to their future team."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What coaches will be getting from Brown is a keeper that shows lightning quick reactions. He's very quick on shots right in front of goal, as he makes saves that require fast-twitch response and pounces to make sure rebounds don't spill. He also gets off his line quickly when he needs to come out and close down an angle, or come out for a ball whipped into the box. He makes tough saves because he can get lateral quickly and he covers between both posts very well. He demonstrates great communication and is a fantastic leader. He has earned respect because of how hard he works and how disciplined he is. He takes responsibility for his role and his team. Brown shows a very advanced maturity as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown is always seeking to be the best leader he can be, and on a new club team, MOBA Soccer Academy, he is trying to become a leader by building relationships with his new teammates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With his eyes on the prize of being a starting keeper in college, Brown will continue to work towards that goal. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I am confident that soccer is part of my future," Brown said. "In addition to playing at the collegiate level, which I've mentioned earlier, I see myself in a future coaching position.&nbsp;Whether I work with high school, college, or even young rec players, I would love to share with others what I've learned and to serve as a positive role model for others."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->