Girls November Monthly Newsletter
Girls Coach Spotlight
Matt Evans
Our Coach Spotlight is Matt Evans of the Girls 2010, 2008 ECRL, and 2008 GA teams, as well as Technical Trainer for our new Legends Academy. Matt has been with Legends since we started in 2002 and brings over 25 years of coaching experience to our Girls Program. Evans, a native of Pasadena, California, fell in love with the ball at a young age. He set his sights on playing at the highest level possible and is referred to by many former teammates as “the best player they have stepped foot on the field with.”
It’s a no brainer that he is our technical guy, spreading that love for the soccer ball, not only to all the young girls he coaches, but over the entire club. Before his time with Legends FC, Coach Matt played professionally for the Utah Blitzz in the USL Pro Select League, helping the 2004 club win the league title. He joined the Blitzz midseason of that year, from the Southern California Seahorses (PDL) and was a welcomed addition as a midfielder. He was an immediate impact, helping the team overcome a two-game losing streak, starting a run all the way to the Western Conference Championship. He finished his professional career in 2007 with the LA Storm. Coach Matt played soccer collegiately at Azusa Pacific University, where he was a standout on the field, while also earning a degree in physical education. During his time with the Cougars, he was a three-time League MVP, three-time Regional MVP, and earned All-American honors all four years. Matt lives in Riverside with his wife (Kim) and 2 kids (Micah and Maizie).
Matt Evans is arguably one of the most successful coaches in our club, winning multiple National Cups, National League Titles and Regional Championships, as well as qualifying for the National Championships multiple times. He has also had a hand in the development of pretty much every top player we have produced (Collegiate and Youth National Team). He brings not only experience and knowledge, but a personality that is second to none. He draws his players close to him, with immediate respect and acceptance and they will die for him on the field - the key factor in a successful girls team. We are very lucky to have Matt Evans as a leader in our Program and look forward to seeing what he will do next with the Legends girls! THANK YOU MATT EVANS for all you do for our Program!
Written by Jenny Lawlor
Girls Player Spotlight
Brianna Weber
Girls Player Spotlight is Brianna Weber from the 2003 ECNL team. Bri is a senior at Bonita High School and has committed to play at North Carolina State University. She is not only an amazing player and teammate, but she is an overall amazing person and exemplifies what it means to be a Legend! From a distance, people see Bri as a very composed, disciplined, and talented center back for our team and is very exciting to watch. She is a true leader, never gets too high or too low and leads by example, with true character.
The real joy comes from watching Bri as a person, interacting with her team. Coaches notice that Bri will go have conversations with teammates after mistakes, and she will celebrate their accomplishments even before her very own successes at times, putting humility at a top. Bri's positive mindset is such something to witness. She cares about others and is always looking for opportunities to make a positive impact on people around her. Bri has taken this a step further this past year, by stepping up and giving back to youngers in our club. She helps with "Lil Legends" every week and is eager to continue. Another way Bri has helped the up and coming Legends generation is by helping younger players in our club navigate through their recruiting process and has shown up to younger teams training sessions to encourage them in their soccer journey. Whether it is on or off the field, we know that being around Brianna Weber will bring a positive spin to your day. She is one of our BEST!
Written by Jenny Lawlor and Andy Plascencia
College Recruiting and Senior Tips
Seniors and Juniors:
During this time when COVID has shaped the way we do things differently on and off the field, things have also changed in the recruiting world. We have to sit back and rethink some of our actions, so we can stay ahead of every area possible, while nearing the end of your path. My hint right now is to gather as much footage as possible (through Trace and Trace ID) and be sure you have an up to date video highlighting yourself as a player! You may have narrowed your list to 5-10 schools by now, but we need to open that up a bit at this point. You may need to broaden your list to between 10-20 during these times. My hint right now is to open that search and throw a wider net. You just never know who may reach back and acquire your soccer ability for their program. This wider search will provide more options and more eyes on you as a player. Don't lose hope! Continue to email and reach out to schools. You are not the only one in this situation and your perseverance will reward you in the end. Stick with it! We are here to help!
Sophomores and Freshman:
Take some time to sit down to start to identify where you would be interested in attending school. You should know where you can see yourself living even if there is no soccer. It's important to understand you will be attending a school for 4 plus years and you must enjoy the surroundings, the experience and the weather conditions. Look into majors and degree options to narrow down your search. Understanding your GPA will also dictate most of these criteria break downs. Speak with the manager of your team to help set you up with a College-fit-finder profile to help in this process. This is a service the club provides every player with. You can always contact Jenny Lawlor to answer any questions regarding this process. She's always happy to get on a zoom or phone call with you or the family. Start researching the schools on your list and begin adding coach names, email addresses and phone numbers. Speak to your coach about the next step.