Center Back and Defensive Mid, 5'6"
Rancho Bernardo High School
Class of 2028
GPA: 4.0
Committed: University of Colorado
Rosters:
• USYNT U16 International Roster (England)
• Gotham FC ID Center Invite
• USYNT U15 Roster
• 4x U14-U16 USYNT National ID Camp (Atlanta and Chula Vista Olympic Training Center)
• 5x USYNT Talent ID Center invitee
• Regional ID2 Team
Recognitions:
• Top 10 Nationally in the Class of 2028 - TDS
• #4 Nationally Ranked Defender, Class of 2028 — TDS
• Top 35 Player Nationally, Class of 2028 — PrepSoccer
• #2 Nationally Ranked Player to Watch — Soccernovo
• 2026 ECNL Arizona Showcase U16 Standout - TDS
• ECNL Girls Playoffs U15 Standout - TDS
• ECNL National Semifinalist - 2023 & 2024
My name is Reece Li and I play center back and defensive midfield for the San Diego Surf 2010 ECNL team. My primary positions are left center back and defensive midfield, but I am equally comfortable playing right center back and attacking midfield.
I am known for staying calm under pressure, using my skill to get out of tight situations, slide tackles, anticipation, playing out the back, and getting the attack started. I take pride in my 1v1 skills, quick decisions, ability to cut off passing lanes, and positional awareness. I have a very high soccer IQ and I am able to pick up new concepts quickly and apply them to the game.
I also really enjoy being part of a team and spending time with my teammates. Hosting team sleepovers and putting together team bonding events is something I love to do. Being a good teammate and supporting the people around me, both on and off the field, is really important to me.
When I am not playing soccer, I volunteer with Top Soccer, an organization that teaches soccer to athletes with developmental disabilities, as well as Best Buddies, a program at school that promotes friendship and inclusion. In addition, I co-founded and am Vice President of RBHS Unified Athletes, a club that organizes sport events at lunch for students with special needs. In the summer I work as a referee and I love to spend time on my mini farm where I have donkeys, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats. Fun fact…I have over 21 animals!
Education:
• Honor Roll student RBHS
• Cofounder and Vice President of Rancho Bernardo High School Unified Athletes (Helping students with disabilities participate in sports)