Antonia Chijate '16 Recruiting Profile

I tried various activities when I was young, dance, gymnastics, theater groups.  Then one summer I did Junior Lifeguards in Santa Cruz, won camp MVP and my competitive spirit was born.  Even in my rec soccer days, I loved the challenge of bringing the ball up the left side, juking out the defender and getting the cross in to create opportunities in front of the net.

I am captain of my high school team this year.  That's because I'm tenacious, passionate, hard-working, fun-loving and eager to set up the perfect cross from the left corner. I make major breakaways and get my fair share of shots on goal, too. My Freshman of the Year, League Most Honorable Mention Sophomore year, First Team All League and MVP Offense my Junior year Awards show that I am a known impact player throughout my high school league.

I've had a few tough situations the past few years.  I witnessed a tragic accident at school my Sophomore year and suffered a season ending injury last Fall.  Both of these situations affected my schoolwork, my soccer trajectory and morale.  But my goal is to play collegiate soccer, the game I love.  So I worked, I sacrificed.  While my friends had fun this past summer, I made up the schoolwork that I missed after my injury.  I spent time with my coaches and guested in extra tournaments to keep my game and skills moving forward.  The bond of my teammates helped me navigate life's ups and downs and stay on track.  That encouragement kept me sane, and now I am the person on the team who nurtures and supports the newer, younger, struggling players. 

I am very lucky to live in an area where quality soccer is such a way of life.  My high school varsity team made it to CCS regionals while I was a starter as a freshman.  My club team came insecond in the State Cup this last Spring (pks), I had the solo goal in our semi-final match.  I grew up with the San Jose Earthquakes in my back yard and went to every FC Gold Pride game.  I've done clinics with Brandi Chastain and Marta.  I've been to leadership workshops with Julie Foudy.  I've gone to Stanford/Santa Clara women's soccer matches with my club team.  I've been surrounded by the highest caliber soccer since my childhood, and it has inspired me to understand the game and respect great soccer programs and coaching.

Excited as I am for my senior year, I'm looking forward to determine where and how soccer will be a part of my collegiate life.  Over the past year, I've been visiting schools, participating in ID camps in California and doing showcase tournaments.  California has fantastic schools, but I'm interested in learning about the many other collegiate soccer programs out there that would be a good match for me.  I intend on studying Kinesiology and pursuing Physical Therapy as an occupation.

What I bring to the pitch every day is commitment, character, great vision and communication on the field, and creativity in front of the net.