Rio Hope-Gund’s path toward this moment began early on, but the multi-sport athlete’s decision to narrow his focus to soccer in middle school was his first big step.
The New York native’s love for the game expanded in high school, following MLS and European leagues closely. And pretty soon, the college offers began rolling in. The center back landed at Georgetown, developed into an integral starter and became a prospect known beyond just his Big East competition.
All that time, the next step in his career fluttered in the back of his mind — turning from optimism to belief.