Senior Grace Park is well known at San Luis Obispo High School for her skills on the soccer field. California Polytechnic University’s girls head soccer coaches Alex Crozier and Bernardo Silva, recently reached out to Park for her incredible talent and commitment to the game. Park has just announced that she has signed with the school and looks forward to playing with their girls’ soccer team as a freshman during the 2017-18 school year. Expressions had the opportunity to speak to Park about her impressive achievement.
Expressions: How were you recruited?
Senior Grace Park: The scouters come to showcase tournaments and because I live in San Luis Obispo, it’s easier to be seen.
Expressions: When did this happen?
Park: They have been looking at me for almost a year now and after I went on a few visits I finally committed to them about a month ago.
Expressions: Who reached out to you?
Park: Bernardo Silva, the assistant coach and Alex Crozier, the head coach.
Expressions: Do you still have to do college applications and take standardized tests like the Scholastic Aptitude Test?
Park: As of now, I only have to take one test and they just want me to do the best I can on it.
Expressions: Do you already know anyone else that will also be on the team?
Park: Yes, junior Emma Hotaling from Morro Bay High School also signed to them.
Expressions: What scares or intimidates you most about playing for Cal Poly?
Park: Probably the fitness aspect and the training. When you play a college sports you have the hardest fitness test ever.
Expressions: How often will you have to train?
Park: We will train every day, starting in August of my freshman year, both on the field and in the weight room.
Expressions: Was Cal Poly an ideal college option for you before you even committed to them?
Park: Yes, I have wanted to go to Cal Poly since I was little and it was my first choice.