Dade Christian senior soccer player Abigail Clanton is taking her talents to the University of West Alabama, while boy’s soccer player Ivan Arenas is staying close to home to attend Barry University.
The two Crusaders signed their Letters of Intent two weeks ago at the school, where they were surrounded by their family, friends, teammates and coaches.
Though both the boy’s and girl’s soccer teams will not play this season because they don’t have enough players, a host of colleges recruited Clanton and Arenas based on their performances during their junior and sophomore seasons.
Clanton, who finished with 23 goals and 13 assists her junior year, said she chose the University of West Alabama because they met her academic and athletic needs.
“I love Alabama in general and visiting the college there was awesome,” she said. “I love the countryside, where everyone is so welcoming. The coaches treated me well, they made me feel like I was already part of the team.”
As a kid, Clanton said she stayed busy by playing soccer and practicing karate and gymnastics. She developed a passion for soccer and followed her heart, which led her to being named to The Miami Herald All-Dade Team.
Arenas, who has a 3.6 GPA, said he chose to attend Barry University to join its elite soccer team.
During his visit, the coaches and his future teammates made him feel like part of the team when he practiced with the group. “The experience and campus was nice,” he said.
Arenas recorded 25 goals and seven assists during his junior season; some of those goals were scored on Barry University’s field, where the Crusaders played some of their games.
“I played there twice and the atmosphere was nice,” he said. “I can’t wait to play there again, this time with my college team.”
To stay up to par with his game and stay in shape, Arenas is playing club soccer for Miramar United.
“I am doing extra work on the field, practicing hard and run track to stay in shape,” he said.