Article by: Jessie Bryson
A 6-foot-1 striker, 2011 striker with speed that kills, Carson Starrett is the new crown jewel of the Orlando City SC Academy and the next big name you need to remember. Armed with elite physical traits, and a ruthless mentality Starrett is built to break global markets and dominate on the pitch.
Starrett hit the ground running in Orlando this April. He made an instant statement by bagging two goals in his debut against his former club, Inter Miami. “Ever since coming to Orlando, my game has elevated tremendously,” Starrett shared. “The competition here is unreal, and I think it’s only going to push me.”
The Driving Force Behind the Rise
Starrett’s journey to Orlando is a testament to his hard work, and the team here at OPSM is thrilled to guide his path. “That’s a great question,” Starrett said when asked about the agency’s impact. “OPSM has opened many doors to help me with my career. They try to get me in the best situation possible and just want what’s best for me. Huge shoutout to my guys, Jacob Notkin, Jeff, and Godwin Addai.”
With that elite support system guiding his career off the pitch, Starrett can focus entirely on his ultimate goal: signing a Homegrown contract with Orlando City. It is a dream he knows he has to earn. “In order for that to happen,” Starrett admitted, “work needs to be done.”
Physical Dominance Meets Tactical Mind
That necessary work is already showing up on the pitch, making Starrett one of the most exciting prospects in the market today. That rare size and pace are paired with a relentless tactical mind. “His off-the-ball movement is lethal,” (Notkin, OPSM Player Advisor) explained. “Whether he’s getting the ball or not, he’s creating two positives. When he does receive the ball, he’s creating a dangerous opportunity. If he doesn’t, he’s dragging at least two defenders across the middle, opening up space for his teammates.” Yet, what truly separates the Orlando City prospect from his peers is a fierce competitive drive. Carson himself, ‘I hate losing more than I love winning.’
Trust the Process: Advice for the Next Generation
That fierce desire to win did not appear overnight; it was built through years of hard work. For younger players looking to follow in his footsteps, the rising striker offers some crucial advice about the reality of the sport.
“One piece of advice I’d give someone right now is to trust the process,” Starrett said. “I promise you EVERY sports athlete will go through ups and downs throughout their careers.” To survive those tough moments he tells young players to ask themselves a simple question: what is your goal? Once they figure out how to work toward it, Starrett says they must stay completely focused on the mission, reminding them that this journey is purely for themselves.
Ready for the Global Stage
That total focus on the mission is exactly why Starrett is destined for the top. His impact will stretch far beyond the borders of Orlando. He doesn’t just check the boxes for a future MLS superstar; he has the rare crossover power to break global markets wide open. Keep your eyes on the Orlando City Academy. Carson Starrett is putting in the work, and the rest of the soccer world is about to take notice.