Samantha Cenek '22 Recruiting Profile

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Sammi Cenek from Peoria, Illinois (3 hours south of Chicago). I come from a soccer orientated family. My dad played Division I soccer at Bradley University and my sister is playing at University of Illinois Springfield at the Division 2 level. Soccer has always been a part of my life and runs in my blood. 

I learned the fundamentals of soccer from John Gaspar. Having played professionally in Portugal, he shaped me into the player I am today. When I was in 8th grade, I was given the opportunity to play for Saint Louis Scott Gallagher ECNL. Although driving 2.5 hours one way to training, I made it work 3 days a week. That whole experience taught me time management and the commitment it takes to play at the next level. During my first year on the team, we got the opportunity to train in Europe with the Feyenoord professional coaching staff. We also got to play games in Amsterdam and Belgium. Learning from a whole new environment, diversified me as a player and pushed me out of my comfort zone. 

As I started my freshman year of high school, I had a big decision to make. I decided to continue playing soccer more locally and have more focus on academics. My SLSG family will always be very special to me and it made me stronger not only as a player but a person. Continuing to guest play and communicate with the coaches frequency keeps me connected with the team. 

Currently I am playing for Illnois Fire Juniors 02 Premier. Along with playing year around, I balance academics and keep my grades consistently up. I am looking for a school that will challenge me academically and athletically along with pushing me to be the best version of myself. I believe that I have the ability to play collegiate soccer and am looking for the best fitted school for that opportunity.