NCSA caught up with rising soccer star Jay Jafarpour about his high school career and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game? What are your pre-game rituals?
Jafarpour: I listen to music on my ipod to pump myself up for games, and when I'm warming up I get focused on the task ahead.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play collegiate soccer?
Jafarpour: If I get the chance to play at the collegiate level, I'm looking forward to meeting new friends, playing against some of the best competition in the nation, and just the experience of playing at the college level.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in soccer?
Jafarpour: I started playing soccer ever since I could remember because we were new in town and my parents wanted me to meet new friends. I still continue to play soccer because I've grown to love and respect the game.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Jafarpour: I've gotten letter from colleges in Norcal and Socal and am still very unsure on where I want to go.
NCSA: How is your team doing?
Jafarpour: My club team is doing better than it has in a long time. We won Albian Cup, made it to Semi-Finals in Long Beach, and made it to the Finals at the Ballistic tournament.
NCSA: What are your goals – athletically, academically and in your community – for the rest of the school year?
Jafarpour: I set my goals high so if I don’t reach them, I still fall higher than I would if I obtained a goal I set lower. I want to play college soccer at the Division I or II level. Academically, I plan to make it into a California University.
NCSA: Tell us about what you’ve learned since being with NCSA.
Jafarpour: I have learned a lot since I have worked with NCSA. I've learned how to talk to college coaches, the rules on the "game" of recruiting, and NCSA has been very helpful.
