Dewa Sanjaya '21 Recruiting Profile

Growing up in Indonesia, I was always surrounded by soccer and I was always out and about with my friends playing in the muddy fields of Bali. When I first started playing, I was always the goalkeeper. I was made fun of and teased for always being the keeper, but I managed and eventually moved on to compete in Judo. As I competed in Judo tournaments, I also played baseball and participated in track and field, specifically high jump and the javelin throw. As elementary ended and middle school began, I grew in height and I realized I wanted to go back and play soccer again. When I went to school in Indonesia, I played for my middle school and local soccer team. My dad and cousin helped me train every week, and we realized that I was a great goalkeeper. I had quick reflexes from baseball, knew how to land on the ground without hurting myself from judo, my hand-eye coordination was great from baseball, had a great arm for throwing a ball, and I was tall compared to my peers. I started playing competitively in the United States and got high-quality training from coaches all around the bay area and some from Los Angeles. Soon enough, I made my High School's Varsity Squad as a freshman and State ODP team. I have now moved on to play with SF Glens Academy U19. I am also hoping that I could play in Bali United Academy in Indonesia and even one day the Indonesian national team. I am currently talking with a couple of coaches from Indonesia and once Covid-19 has ended, I am planning to come out to a trial.

The most progress that I have made, both academically and athletically, was from the summer and fall of 2018. I worked hard in school and worked double time with coaches, by myself, and at the gym. As a result, I had an increase in my goalkeeping abilities and physical body strength. I learned leadership, teamwork skills, and self-discipline with the help of my parents and coaches. My drive, discipline, and attitude towards training and games make me a very coachable and competitive athlete. I will always trust the coach to do what is best for both me and the team. I will always aim high, and I do everything I can to reach my ultimate goal. I aim to be able to play Division 1 collegiate soccer and even professionally.