Personal Statement
My name is Sam Ludley and I am currently playing for Central Valley Gunners Red, ranked in the top 10 of Norcal, as a left wing back. This is not my usual position. In fact, it's the opposite of my usual position as center attacking mid or attacking forward. My team went through a coaching transition last year and my new coach, Cameron Rast, head men's coach of Santa Clara University, saw something in me and put me in as left defender.
I wasn't comfortable at first, but soon realized that my distributing skills, accurate passing, calm head and new found ability to be aggressive and forceful against bigger opponents made me a very strong defender. Because of coach Rast, I've realized that I'm a very versatile, capable player and I'm a huge asset to my team. I am also naturally left-footed, but have developed a solid and sturdy right foot, giving me the dexterity to play both sides of the field.
Playing for my school, Ann Sobrato high school, has taught me to be a leader. During my freshman year, I was asked to play varsity, but chose JV so I could get the feel for high school soccer. Sophomore and junior years, I played varsity as an attacking mid-fielder and earned the "Blossom Valley Athletic League Sophomore of the Year" award. Junior year, I became captain and was awarded "Blossom Valley Athletic League All-League Player".
Soccer is my passion. I look for opportunities to do soccer-related activities and jobs and have enjoyed being an assistant coach for a U10 boys’ team and earned a Youth Diploma 1 coaching license from "COERVER", which allowed me to coach kids at Coerver soccer summer camps. Working with kids and adults has helped to grow my confidence and maturity on the field and with talking to my teammates and coaches.
I strive to do the very best I can at school. My GPA fluctuates between 3.5 and 4.0. My main goal is to go to a great college, do my best and earn a degree in a subject that will help me get to a career that I love. As of right now, I’m not completely sure of what that subject is, but I know one thing for sure; I want to play college soccer. As the son of a man from Middlesborough England, soccer or “footy” has been a part of my life since I could remember. My intent is to play soccer for the rest of my life.
