Senior Jamie Fink is no stranger to hard work and dedication. She currently plays for the Real So Cal Girls Under 18 soccer club where she was recruited by the University of Southern California. In addition, she played on the Olympic Development Program team (State and Regional Team).
“If a college coach liked what he or she saw, he or she would contact my club coach,” said Fink. “They also contacted me through e-mail and letters.” Fink was a hot commodity throughout the recruiting process. There were several things she had to take into consideration before making a decision that would affect her entire future.
“There were a lot of schools [that] contacted me, but the main ones were Stanford, Santa Clara, UCLA, Pepperdine and USC,” said Fink. “I chose USC because of the education, the football team- yes I needed to go to a big “ra ra” school- and of course the soccer program. When you visit the schools, you just know which one fits you, and right when I stepped on the campus, I could picture myself there.”
Fink’s hours of strenuous work are finally being paid off as she will attend the school of her dreams doing what she loves best, playing soccer.•
The colors yellow and blue run through senior Cassie Sternbach’s veins. Sternbach was recruited to play Division I soccer at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“I will be the third generation in my family to go to UCLA. I grew up wanting to go to that school my whole life,” said Sternbach. “I love the campus, location, athletics and academics. UCLA is one of the best schools in the country, and I feel honored to wear the jersey.”
Personal sacrifices were a small price to pay in order to meet her goals. Sternbach’s weekly schedule includes individual as well as team practice, sessions with a goalietrainer and workouts with a strength coach.
“I have not been home for Thanksgiving in five years, but this is my dream come true,” said Sternbach. “I have worked my whole life to play for UCLA.”
Playing soccer since the age of four, Sternbach cannot imagine her life without the sport. Even after college, she hopes to continue her journey in the world of athletics.
“My goal is to play in the World Cup and the Olympics someday. After college I want to go play pro in either England or Germany,” said Sternbach. Playing soccer at UCLA is just the beginning of Sternbach’s bright future. •
The recruiting process has been rather unusual for senior Taylor Hobson. Hobson has been working with the head soccer coach of California State University, Northridge since she was 12.
“My club coach for Real So Cal is the coach of CSUN’s soccer team. I was debating between CSUN, Pepperdine and UCSB. I chose CSUN [because] I already know the coach, and I do not have to adjust to his style of play,” said Hobson.
Hobson is known for her natural athletic ability and competitive spirit, however, she dedicates her success to her main inspiration: her older sister. It was her strength and bravery that pushed Hobson to be one of the best.
“My sister became really ill and was constantly in and out of high school until her senior year. She slowly recovered and is now studying at UCLA,” said Hobson. “[She showed] me that if you work hard enough for something you really want, it is possible to achieve anything.”
Hobson plans to leave her mark on CHS with one final season with the CHS soccer team.
“My expectations are higher than they have ever been before,” said Hobson. “The girls on this team are way too talented to let this season go to waste.” •
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