Imagine never scoring a goal or playing in a game for your high school, yet still being able to be recruited by D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and Junior College schools. That’s what it is like for current McCallie senior and Cleveland native Mitchell Crispin. Since Crispin was in fifth grade he has opted to play at Darlington School Soccer Academy, where he is now the all-time leading scorer with 219 goals with 92 of those coming in the past two seasons for the school our of Rome, Ga.



For Crispin, there were multiple factors that led him to his decision. One of those being the level of play in which he is able to compete at the club level. By playing at the club level there are no restrictions on games, the length of the seasons or when a coach can interact with a player or team in the offseason. This enables Crispin and his Darlington U-19 team, who ended the year as the #1 ranked club team in Georgia, to compete in National Events all throughout the year which puts him in front of college coaches more often. Some of the showcases and events that Crispin has been able to play in include the Disney Showcase, Indianapolis College Showcase, Jefferson Cup, Darlington Soccer Academy College Showcase and several others. These showcases have given him the opportunity to play all throughout the Southeast, Indiana, Ohio, and Nevada. While playing for Darlington, Crispin also spent time from 2015-2017 playing for Carolina Elite Soccer Academy. During his time with CESA Crispin became a South Carolina 2016 State Champ, 2017 South Carolina Premier State Champ and a Regional Competitor.



Along with Showcases and High-Level events he has had the opportunity to play against other Club and Academy teams throughout the Southeast. Crispin has also been able to score and defeat teams like IMG Academy, a Sports Academy out of Bradenton, Fla., and Atlanta United’s U-18/19 team which are both top teams in their respective level of play.



This season alone they have competed against 15 college teams in Friendlies going an impressive 13-1-1 in those games. They competed against Shorter, Oglethorpe, Truett McConnell, and Berry with Crispin tallying 15 goals in those games. They even defeated the #1 team in Division 2 at the time, Young Harris College, with Crispin netting a goal in that game.



As well as competing against Club, Academy and College teams, Crispin has had the opportunity to play against the Georgia Revolution FC, a Semi-Pro Team in the NPSL that competes against Chattanooga FC. In that game, Crispin was able to score three goals against the Revolution leading to a victory.



Crispin has also earned the privilege with Darlington to play overseas in several countries such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Germany. He was able to compete in the IBERCUP which is one of the largest and toughest international youth tournaments in the world while in Portugal. Darlington was able to make it to the Round of 16 in that tournament after knocking off one of the top teams from India with the help of a goal from Crispin.



Playing in these High-Level events and showcases have paid off for Crispin over the years. He was invited to participate in the US Soccer Training Center to train in front of scouts from the US Men’s National Team. He also received invites from West Ham United FC, Stoke City FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC which are all in the top tier of the English Football Pyramid, The Premier League. In his time with each of the clubs, he trained and played games with their Academy teams in front of Club coaches and scouts.



On March 8, Crispin officially signed to play at the collegiate level for Transylvania University. When asked about his decision to play for the Pioneers, Crispin said, “I was able to connect with Coach Matt Vogel and his goals and expectations for the soccer program and I felt like it was a right fit for me and my family”. Crispin also mentioned that another factor that played a big role in his decision was the education he will receive from Transylvania and how it will help him be better prepared for life after his soccer career.



After college Crispin's goal and dream since he was five years old is to play professional soccer. When his playing career comes to an end someday Crispin wants to remain in the sport as a coach. Currently, he has a USSF E and F licenses and will soon obtain his D license. He hopes that one day he will be able to receive his A License, which is the highest Youth License to obtain. At the end of the day, Crispin admits he has some regret not playing with his classmates and for his school, but he believes that the decision he made has helped him become more prepared for the future that awaits.