YOUTH: Grooming greatness
- August 5, 2010
Sara Yamasaki made her way up through the Hollister Tremors Youth Soccer Club at a younger age before joining the Orchard Valley Sting, which is based out of Morgan Hill and includes five other members of the San Benito girls soccer team.
Yamasaki, an incoming senior at SBHS, previously played club volleyball and club soccer while in the eighth grade, but cut back before entering high school after her parents told her to choose just one sport.
Although she still plays volleyball for the high school, her choice in soccer may pave the way to the next level - she's currently being recruited by Cal State East Bay.
"I decided to go to a club when I became more interested in the sport," Yamasaki said. "I just wanted to keep on playing and my parents signed me up for the next club season.
"I think it's great because you get to travel around and I like bonding with the team."
Yamasaki admits that playing for a club is a "huge" commitment, but it's become almost second nature - she's been playing for the Sting since she was 12.
"And I think it helps when you play year-round," she said. "I think it helps a lot. You're playing in the offseason and when you come into high school, you're ready."
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