On Feb. 3, 2010, four members of Pennsbury’s soccer team were recognized for signing letters of intent to accept scholarships to play their sport at the collegiate level. All four played club soccer for YMS Xplosion.
“The greatest part is they have been playing together for so long, and to see them push each other as youth and then in through high school to get to this point where they are going to be separated from each other – they really are a product of each other,” Pennsbury coach Tom Stoddart said of his four signees. “The greatest part for me, the school and the community is that if these four guys come through and did it, it’s going to set a precedent for other kids to look at and be open to that possibility – ‘You know what, I could do that too,’ which is fantastic.”
Drew Hutchins – Stanford University (Soccer)
Major: Undecided
Final list of college choices: Stanford, Georgetown, Boston University
Reasons for choosing Stanford: “Throughout the whole recruiting process, they kept telling me they wanted to get me out there and get me out there, and I really didn’t understand why until I got out there. That was the selling point. It’s a beautiful campus with beautiful facilities. You can just tell by being there that they sincerely strive for excellence.
“Soccer was a big part of my decision, and their academics speak for themselves. I got acquainted with a few of the players, and the coaching staff was helpful and insightful – I felt like it was a good fit.”
When did you start thinking about playing soccer at the collegiate level? “Both of my brothers went on to play soccer in college, and this was always a goal of mine. You always think about it as being the ticket into the school of your dreams, which, in my case, I was lucky enough to have it turn out that way.”
How does it feel now that you’ve actually signed with the school of your dreams? “It’s pretty exciting, but at the same time, it’s pretty nerveracking because of the prestige it has and the standards you have to live up to.”
Coach Tom Stoddart said: “Drew was up for PA Gatorade Player of the Year, and I think the quote I gave them and the one I’ll always give about Drew is that the intensity he brings to everything he does is not only tremendous but it’s contagious and spreads to anyone who is around. It makes everyone better.
“Not only physically is he tremendously talented but also the fortitude he puts into this program. “
Eddie Adams – University of Delaware (Soccer)
Major: Sports Management
Final list of colleges: Delaware, Towson, Rhode Island
Reasons for choosing Delaware: “The campus is so nice, and it’s such a good academic school. I met with the coach, and he’s such a good guy, and I’ve heard really good things about him. It’s a really good soccer program. It’s such a good place, and their sports management program is one of the best.
“It’s very exciting. I can’t wait to get down there.”
When did the idea of playing collegiate soccer become a reality? “Our club coach has been getting us into college showcases for years now, but it didn’t really start to hit me until this year when I got serious about finding the right school.”
How important is playing club soccer? “It’s so important. We have the best trainers and the best coaches in the country. The drills we do are such great drills, and the players we have on our team are some of the best players in the country. Every practice – two times maybe three times a week – you’re playing against some of the best players in the country. The high competition and high training sessions prepare us well for college.”
Coach Tom Stoddart says: “Eddie is a fantastic kid. He had to really work to get where he is right now. He had two injuries that he suffered during his high school years, and they set him back a little bit. He really stepped up this year and was very reliable – he was always there to score a big goal for us. Delaware is very fortunate. They’re going to like not only his physical talents but his mental talents he’ll bring to the program.”
Brian Powers – Lehigh University (Soccer)
Major: Business Marketing
Final list of colleges: Lehigh, Dartmouth, Boston College
Reasons for choosing Lehigh: “All three of those schools had a great combination of academics and the athletic programs were just so good at each school, but at Lehigh, I will be nice and close (to home). There’s a bunch of young talent on that team, and I’ll have a chance to start my first year. That’s actually the plan – to go in and be a starter my freshman year.
“That played a major role in my decision, and just meeting with the coaches – they really wanted me there, and they made me feel at home.”
When did the idea of playing collegiate soccer become a reality? “In my freshman year when I saw those seniors signing on this signing day, that’s when it hit me – that’s where I want to be three years from now.”
Coach Tom Stoddart said: “Brian is born to be a leader. As a defender, he was our greatest offensive weapon. He was able to control the game much the way a quarterback does in football – that’s how important he is in the field. It’s going to be interesting. I think his game will translate real well to the college level.”
Jimmy Ockford – Mount St. Mary’s College (Soccer)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Mount St. Mary’s, Elon, Old Dominion
Reasons for choosing Mount St. Mary’s: “It’s not too big of a school, and it has great facilities. I have known the coach for a while now, and I like the coach a lot. They also have a great soccer program.
“This a big relief. I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to go, what I’m going to do because I know I’m going to be playing soccer for a good team, so I’m pretty excited.”
When did the idea of playing soccer at the collegiate level become a reality: “When I was a freshman, I started thinking about it – that’s what I wanted to do, and I was going to continue to go through with that and train.”
How important was playing club? “I have been playing soccer non-stop my whole life. The level is so high, and it’s prepared me to play at the college level where the level it going to be even higher.”
Coach Ton Stoddart says: “Back in the 80’s, they used to say about (Phillies centerfielder) that two thirds of the world is covered by water, and the other third was covered by Garry Maddox, and that’s Jimmy Ockford. You put him in the center of the field, and he can play from one side of the field to the other and from front to back. He just takes up so much space that it makes it so difficult for opponents to try and get by him. He can close space, he can anticipate where the ball is going to be. He has tremendous soccer awareness.”
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