Hard work pays off as Anderson commits to Santa Clara
One of the top keepers in the Western United States for the class of 2025 is now off the board. She has chosen her destination, and has done quite well for herself. Zoe Anderson Zoe Anderson 5'11" | GK Jesuit…
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Continue ReadingOne of the top keepers in the Western United States for the class of 2025 is now off the board. She has chosen her destination, and has done quite well for herself.
Zoe Anderson Zoe Anderson 5'11" | GK Jesuit (National Rank: 7th) | 2025 OR of Jesuit High in Portland, Oregon was very thoughtful and deliberate in her recruiting process, and found the place she wants to be for the four years after high school. Anderson will be continuing her playing career at Santa Clara University.
Entering this week, Santa Clara was ranked No. 16 in NCAA’s Division I.
“My parents have always told me to dream big, to have big goals, (and) I’ve grown up believing if I work hard enough anything is possible,” Anderson said. “My dream is to play soccer at the highest level, which at this stage means I need a coaching staff willing to help me develop. I have a long way to go and a lot of hard work in front of me in order to really contribute to an elite DI program like Santa Clara, I’m grateful for the chance to be pushed physically, technically, and mentally to become the keeper they need.”
In Anderson, Santa Clara is getting someone who works extremely, extremely hard. Both on the pitch and in the classroom. She is a straight-A student, she takes AP classes, she is involved in organizations on and off campus. She also works really hard to hone her craft, working hard when nobody is watching.
She is a strong, physical keeper. She is brave, strong in the air, has strong hands and positions herself very well. Santa Clara is getting a great keeper, and Anderson is feeling equally fortunate.
“I want to be a part of something much bigger than myself, to share in the responsibility for a rich legacy on the pitch, in the classroom, and in the community,” Anderson said. “My time at Jesuit has given me a taste of what that means. It’s humbling and empowering at the same time. To me, Santa Clara is that kind of place. Coach (Jerry) Smith talks about his program, coaching staff, and players, past and present, with a kind of reverence and humility that really speaks to me. In my eyes Santa Clara represents the very best in women’s soccer. It has also been a route to professional soccer for more than 50 players. Santa Clara graduates are coaching at the collegiate level seemingly everywhere you look. I believe Santa Clara gives me a great chance to keep my other dreams alive.”
As mentioned, Anderson is a very deliberate young keeper who took the process of committing to a school very seriously. She put in the work to find the right fit, doing the research to make sure she’d end up at the place that is best for her.
“I went to a lot of ID camps. I emailed a lot of college coaches. I spoke to my club and high school coaches and to current D1 players,” Anderson said. “My concept of what was most important to me emerged through these experiences. I first talked with Coach (Curtis) McAlister on June 15th and then I spent the summer visiting schools, texting, and emailing with coaches, and checking out other opportunities. By the end of the summer, I knew that nothing could compare to Santa Clara for me. When I received my offer, I couldn’t help but cry. The recruiting process is messy and uncomfortable in a lot of ways but it kind of felt like every soccer experience led to that moment: the ups and downs, the not-knowing, the risk of failure – it was all worth it.”
If anyone is going to show up as a college freshman prepared, it’s Anderson. She does not take things lightly. She has not rested on her laurels at Jesuit this year, having allowed no goals in 11 contests. She also comes in to any situation with a positive approach and an open mind.
“There are only a few things I can control,” Anderson said. “My attitude, my effort, and my willingness to learn. What I lack in talent I try to make up in hard work, and the harder I have worked the better my options have become. As a keeper my mistakes are obvious to everyone, I remind myself that I’m a learner and I need those mistakes if I am to improve. I’ve been blessed with amazing coaches who make it easy to be an eager learner. I’ve taken every opportunity to guest play for clubs in need of a keeper. I’ve sought out instruction in a lot of different places. I’ve remained willing. I try to control the things I can, work hard, and trust the process.”