Samantha Padilla

I started playing soccer in 7th grade, much later than most of my peers but I wanted to try it out. I had a major fear of the ball and lacked general gameplay skills at the time. Fast forward to 5 years later I’m a starting defender for my high school team and have joined club to continue building my abilities. I’ve learned how to hold down the back line, use my speed to win the ball and keep possession in favor of my team, and think strategically on the field while also growing a love and passion for the sport. My goals are to continue getting stronger, faster, and more technically skilled so I can play at the college level some day. I am looking for a slightly smaller college with good community. Somewhere that I can continue to pursue soccer but also be able to achieve a high level of education because I care deeply about academics and achieving my personal career goals. If possible I’d like to be in state or a state away just so I’m a little close to home. Most of all though I strive to find the college where I feel most at home, this could mean welcoming teammates and coaching staff and having that sense of belonging that helps break the ice of a new environment. I can help the team/program by being responsive, encouraging, and holding others and myself accountable for the work we put in at practice and in games. These simple traits build culture within the team allowing for better communication and a raised standard that keeps us from getting complacent.