Story by Zoe Schlaak
Associate Sports Editor
Photo courtesy of Caleb Lee
Contributor
Senior Caleb Lee announced his verbal commitment to the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) on Saturday, Mar. 20, via Instagram. The soccer star plans to enter as an economics major this fall and play as a forward for the team.
Lee began his soccer journey in fifth grade through AYSO and has since played with clubs such as Crown City United, La Premier FC, La Surf, and his current club, Golden State FC.
Lee has also remained a key player as a forward on the varsity SPHS boys soccer team since freshman year and was named SPHS MVP his junior year.
COVID-19 made the recruiting process extremely difficult, which forced many of Lee’s NCAA D1 offers to be withdrawn due to the fact that some schools were not allowed to recruit out of state. Despite this obstacle, he received offers from Occidental College, Colby College, Emory University, and the University of the Pacific, but ultimately chose to continue his education at UCSC.
“I chose UCSC because it’s a place where I can get a great education while playing the game that I love,” Lee said. “The soccer coaching staff made me feel extremely wanted in their program, and despite not being able to see them in person, I felt that I created a strong connection with them.”
Before heading off to UCSC in the fall, Lee plans to lead the boys soccer team in his final season at SPHS this spring.
