Rachel Smith, who plays for Santa Barbara Soccer Club and Dos Pueblos High School, has verbally committed to USC
Santa Barbara Soccer Club’s Rachel Smith, who also plays at Dos Pueblos High School, has verbally committed to play soccer at USC starting in the Fall of 2013.
“I am very excited to have verbally committed to become a USC Trojan women’s soccer player and play in the Pac 12 Conference in the Fall of 2013,” Smith of Santa Barbara SC GU17 White stated.
Smith was asked about the recruiting process.
“I attended the College Night events at San Marcos High School and I met with the Santa Barbara SC College Co-coordinator, Greg Wilson, who offered some practical tips as well. I also worked hard on the field on my technical game in the summer at the Soccer One Schools which were beneficial in helping me grow as an elite athlete.”
Smith attended a camp at USC that put her in front of the Trojan coaches.
“My big break came after I attended a one-day ID camp on the USC campus which helped me get noticed. I then attended the same camp again a month later which prompted Assistant Coach Wooldridge to watch me play in a game.”
“The most important aspect of the recruiting process is to focus on a handful of schools then persistently contact the coaches.”
Smith’s ultimate goal was to play at the highest level in California so that her family and friends could attend her games. Smith has been humble and gracious in accepting this great accolade remarking “I am so grateful to my parents, coaches, teammates, and SBSC for helping make my soccer dreams come true.”
Smith’s Current Coach, Jeff Johnson (JJ) had this to say about Smith “She has been one of the hardest working female players I have ever worked with. She is versatile, can hit the ball with pace and accuracy, great in the air, a leader, committed with a high work ethic, determined and relentlessly strives to win every match and every competition in training. She is a model player and a dream for any coach to be able to work with at the collegiate level. I see Rachel only improving in college and getting better and better each year. I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see her on the US national team some day if she desired. This is an individual that when she sets her mind on something she finds a way to get it done! It has been a treat to have coached this player and more importantly to have developed a friendship that will last forever. She will always be my captain!”
Lloyd Biggs, Santa Barbara SC Coaching Director in congratulating Smith said
“You most definitely deserve it through your dedication to the game over many years! Thank you also for your commitment and loyalty to Santa Barbara SC. In modern day club soccer it is hard to find such commitment from a player. You are a credit to your parents and also proof that talent, hard work, patience and loyalty does breed success. I wish you the best of luck for the future!”
Obviously Smith’s parents are super proud of her.
“We are very proud of Rachel’s accomplishments on the soccer field and will always be grateful to the Santa Barbara Soccer Club for preparing her to play at the Division 1 level,” beamed her mother Michelle.”Rachel enjoyed the benefit of two top-quality coaches in Brian Lloyd and Jeff Johnson who patiently taught Rachel the fundamental technical and strategic aspects of the game.”
As proof of her dedication and commitment to be the best she can be Smith always took advantage of the extra training that Santa Barbara SC offered, like Going to Goal, One v.One, and some individual coaching sessions. As Smith grew older she was also able “to give back” by coaching some of the next generation of SBSC athletes in the U8 Development program.
We are all very proud of Smith and wish her luck as steps up to play at the next level.
