Senior midfielder Cooper Matthews is quite clear on what he wants this season.
“As far as team goals, there’s only one. State championship,” said Matthews, a returning senior midfielder.
Matthews finished last season leading the team with 35 goals and 15 assists, earning first team all-state honors. But he didn’t get complacent.
“The main thing I want to improve for this year is my leadership skills. I’ve worked really hard on my overall soccer game all throughout high school, but I’ve sometimes neglected the leadership aspect,” Matthews said.
His barrage of goals and assists last year helped secure a verbal commitment to Westmont college, which is a Division II school in California, where he will be studying business.
Matthews’ mind has not drifted from his goal despite already making his college commitment.
“This summer, I have been going to summer workouts and individual training sessions to get ready for the season,” Matthews said. “I worked on building my relationships with the incoming freshmen and the other guys on the team so that I know how to lead better throughout the season.”
While this isn’t Matthews’ last year playing soccer he still wants to make the most of his high school season.
“I’m most excited for another shot at the state title and for one last chance to play with my friends,” Matthews said.
