A new week means it's time to meet a new women's soccer freshman! It's time to meet defender Sarah Santos from Long Beach, California!
Santos played four years of varsity soccer at Poly High School, earning all-league honors in three of those seasons. After earning the team's rookie of the year award in 2016, she picked up first team all-league honors the following season, and ended her high school career with five goals in 13 games as a senior. Santos played her club ball for the LAFC Slammers, and helped lead the squad to a runner-up finish at the 2019 ECNL National Championship.
Learn more about Sarah in our freshman Q&A below!
Q: How old were you when you began playing soccer and at what point did you decide you wanted to play it at the collegiate level?
SARAH: I began playing soccer when I was seven years old. I decided I wanted to play at the collegiate level in 7th grade when I played in my first showcase and I saw how many college coaches were there to watch.
Q: Who is your favorite soccer player?
SARAH: David Alaba
Q: What has been your most memorable moment playing soccer?
SARAH: During my junior year I scored the last minute tie-breaker in our season opener.
Q: Who is your all-time favorite musical artist?
SARAH: I wouldn't be able to choose one just because I love listening to all different types of music.
Q: Do you have a pregame hype song? If so, what is it?
SARAH: "Bean (Kobe)" by Lil Uzi Vert
Q: What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? Can be about soccer or life in general.
SARAH: My grandpa told me "Don't give in to weakness" and I have it tattooed on my back.
Q: What is the best part about playing the position that you play?
SARAH: Being an outside back, not only do I defend, but I am able to join the attack whenever I want to. It's fun making the other team's forwards have to defend you.
Q: If you were stuck on a desert island, what are the three things you would bring with you and why?
SARAH: Water to stay hydrated, tent for shelter, and Bear Grylls because he survives in the wild for a living.
Q:If you could have dinner with any person, past or present, real or fictional, who would it be?
SARAH: Gautama Buddha
Q: Why did you choose to San Jose State?
SARAH: When I was invited on my visit to San Jose State, I immediately felt comfortable when I met the coaching staff and the whole team. San Jose State felt like home the most.