Rapids Academy products Maclovio Swett and Griffin Moore will be reporting to their respective Division I college programs in the spring to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level. Swett will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill while Moore will continue his soccer career at the University of Kentucky.
As long-standing members of the organization, both Swett and Moore developed their skills at the Rapids Academy from the ages of 12 and 13 respectively. The midfielder and defender duo fought their way through the Rapids pathway, ultimately earning a spot on the organization’s MLS NEXT Pro team Rapids 2 during the inaugural 2022 season.
Maclovio Swett
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-Spring 2023
What drew you to the University of North Carolina?
"I chose North Carolina because of its historic program and the soccer they play. When I first started looking at colleges my number one pick was always North Carolina and when I visited I knew I wanted to go there because of the community and soccer culture. I feel that the coaches really believe in me and I have their trust.”
How long have you been playing soccer and how long with the Rapids organization?
“I’ve been playing soccer since I was four. I always played with my older brother growing up. I got recruited when I was 11 from Colorado Storm and have been with the Rapids from the U-12 team through Rapids 2.”
How has your time at the Rapids influenced your style of play and the next steps in your soccer career?
“The Rapids organization has influenced my style of play by teaching me to have a chip on my shoulder and to always want to win. Playing for the Rapids has also taught me to be very technical and diligent with how I play from my first touch to my movement to find the ball.”
What are your goals for the next step of your soccer career?
“My next step is to win a National Championship at North Carolina and hopefully play professionally out of college after I get a degree.”
What is your favorite memory with the Rapids organization?
“My favorite memories with the Rapids were trips with the team, going undefeated during my U-15 year, and making my professional debut at age 17.”
What was your favorite part of playing with the new MLS NEXT Pro team Rapids 2 this year?
“My favorite part of playing with Rapids 2 was the ability to feel included with a lot of the older players. Our team had a wide range of ages, but there was always a sense of belonging in the group. Another favorite of mine was scoring my first professional goal in Vancouver. It was a surreal moment for my family and I.”
Griffin Moore
University of Kentucky-Spring 2023
What drew you to the University of Kentucky?
“I had the honor of talking with many schools throughout the recruitment process. From the first interaction with the coaching staff of the University of Kentucky, the communication and interaction was authentic. They took the time to get to know me as a person and player, which I value. The opportunity presented to me at Kentucky has endless possibilities and I am excited to face the challenges ahead. Kentucky has consistently proven that they are a top program and finished the 2022 season ranked first in the country.”
How long have you been playing soccer and how long with the Rapids organization?
“I started playing soccer at the age of three. I have been with the Rapids organization for the last six years. I joined during my U-13 year.”
How has your time at the Rapids influenced your style of play and the next steps in your soccer career?
“My time with the Rapids brought a level of discipline to my performance on the field that has strengthened my ability to read the game and understand advanced tactics. Those skills and the disciplined mindset will give me a strong base going into my college career. The exposure I received during my time with the Rapids helped in my college recruitment process.”
What are your goals for the next step of your soccer career?
“I have been fortunate to be able to push my graduation up to December 2022, allowing me to start at Kentucky in January. This will give me the spring season to get myself established into the program and prepare myself to play a role within the program during the fall season.”
What is your favorite memory with the Rapids organization?
“I was given the opportunity to work with Drew Moor, which allowed me to get to know him and learn from his career experiences. It really does help when you are learning from a player who plays your position and has had a very long and successful career. I got to learn things that he had learned later in his career very early into mine.”
What was your favorite part of playing with the new MLS NEXT Pro team Rapids 2 this year?
“The environment as a whole was a huge asset in my development. The ability to train and play with players who are on professional contracts gave me a whole new perspective into the next level. I was able to learn from players who are playing at the level I strive to play at.”
