On Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, William Tennent senior Ryan Eppley signed a letter of intent to accept a soccer scholarship to the University of San Francisco. To view photos of the signing, please visit the Photo Gallery by clicking on the following link: http://photos.suburbanonesports.com/g/0212_signing_emjs
Ryan Eppley – University of San Francisco (Soccer)
Major: Political Science
Final list of colleges: University of San Francisco, Bucknell
Reasons for choosing USF: “I visited in November. When I got off the plane, everybody just had a smile and a glow about them. They seemed like they loved living where they were. I got that impression that it’s not a bad place to live.
“Being in politics, I really like to be around people, and I need to see how people govern their own lives. I’m interested in the different aspects of America. Being from the East Coast, I have an East Coast mind. When I went to the West Coast, I saw a totally different aspect of the entire nation, and if I want to be president one day, I have to consider the entire nation as a whole.”
When did you start thinking about playing soccer at the collegiate level? “Since I was real little, I have been a big (Manchester) United fan, like a lot of other people in this world are. Both my grandparents lived in England and my mom lived in England, and they always wanted me to aspire to do what I really wanted and that was soccer. If I was going to get somewhere in life, it would be through soccer most likely.
“I went to a national tournament in Alabama, and the (USF) coach called me two days before and said, ‘I noticed your profile. I’ve seen you play once or twice before. I’ll be at your games, and I want to speak to you after.’ I didn’t think of it because other coaches have talked to me. He didn’t sound too serious, and after the game, he said, ‘I loved how you played, and I want you to come out to San Francisco.’ That’s the way it all started.”
Tennent coach Luke Gibson says: “He’s a once-in-a-generation talent for a high school coach, but he also has just an amazing work ethic. Athletically, he’s always the best player on the field. Some of it is just natural ability. I have never been around a player at any level that has worked as much as he has on the technical side of the game. His technical ability is just out of this world. He’s a midfielder, but he also played forward for us a little bit. He’s one of those kids that you could put anywhere on the field, and he’ll make you better. He has all the intangibles as well. He’s a natural leader. The University of San Francisco definitely was blessed to get him.”
About Ryan:
Favorite food: Bison burgers
Favorite music: The Doors
Favorite movie: American Gangster
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