Sidra Griffin '21 Recruiting Profile

I cannot imagine my life without soccer. I am positive my “far in the future” self will be grey-haired, taped together, and running under the lights long after the young’ uns have warmed up the turf and gone to bed. Soccer is an integral part of my life and has shaped who I am today. Through soccer I have learned the value of teamwork, camaraderie, resilience, goal setting, and grit.

I envision my college years as a student-athlete in a smaller community. I plan to major in secondary education with an emphasis on health and physical education. This combination encompasses my passion for working with adolescents and caring for one’s physical, mental, social and emotional health. Having grown up in a rural area outside of Seattle, I know I thrive in the Pacific Northwest and love a good rainy game of soccer.

Currently, I am a junior at Cedarcrest High School in Duvall, Washington. I have a 3.9-grade point average and am a multisport athlete. When I am not on a field or court, I enjoy hiking, water sports, and spending time with my friends and family. I am a pretty mean badminton player and like to take down anyone in my backyard. My family is my home team, and their support is hugely important to my wellness and success.

Coaches and teammates, my family on the field, have commended my performance skills but, more importantly to me, they have recognized my positive life/character skills. Where technical and tactical skills are significant, the essential skill in soccer is cohesion. Having played a variety of sports, I can anticipate player movement and see the whole field. This translates to all aspects of my life, where I see the benefits of cohesion, awareness, and teamwork.  With the help of my parents, coaches, and mentors I have grown to see the whole field in life—I approach adversity with the same determination it takes to fight on the field.

This year, my school suffered four tragic deaths in our student body. I bring this up because never has my ability to empathize and build up those around me been so important. I realized that all the planning and goal-setting in the world can’t prepare you for some things, and that’s when the grit and resilience comes in. When you’re in overtime, the game is on the line, your body is tired, your lungs are on fire, and you have to take the penalty kick, that’s when you find out who you are.

Soccer is my life, but so much more than just a game. It has become the model for my life and taught me so much about who I am. I am eager to talk to you about potential opportunities at your university.