SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior Lindsey Porter will has committed to attend and play soccer at UC-Santa Barbara next fall. She will sign with the Gauchos on Nov. 14.
"I am excited for the community aspect of the team and they are a family," said Porter. "All the girls really get along and spend time together. They take it game by game and focus on each game individually. I like the competitive aspect of the program."
Porter originally committed to the program on her birthday, October 29, during her junior season. She will play for Head Coach Paul Stumpf, who is in his 20th season leading the program. He is the all-time winningest coach in school history and has led the program to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2008, 2009).
"Head coach Paul Stumpf is really straight forward and says it how is," said Porter. "That is my kind of person. He is all in for the girls and wants them to succeed."
Porter made an official visit this fall and was really impressed with the high intensity workouts of the program led by assistants Gof Boyoko and Mario Felix.
"They bring motivation to every single training," said Porter. "The trainings I watched on my official were high-paced and looked really productive and focused."
Porter, who also plays for the San Juan soccer club, has been a three-year letter winner of the Troubadour varsity program and will be part of an experienced team returning in 2018-19. She has scored 18 career goals, including a career-high nine during her junior season. She has added 12 assists in her 65 career games.
"LP is so fun to coach!" said Head Coach Maryclaire Robinson. "She's become one of the most coachable players I've met - she's open to suggestions on technique, tactics, mindset - whatever the topic, she is willing to do the work to improve her game. She is a team player who has become a positive leader by example and provides a supportive base for our program to grow. Lindsey is a bright spot on our team and in our program."
Porter served as a captain for the team last season and was the recipient of the team's Golden Boot and Offensive Most Valuable Player Awards. She was also an All-Delta League selection.
"I am excited that our team is going to be older this year and there are lot of skilled players in all different aspects," said Porter. "It is going to be sad with my last year playing for (Coach) Maryclaire. I am ready to go out with a bang and finish this year off with a section championship. If we take it game-by-game, we can accomplish that."
Porter, who likes to run, ski and snowboard, dirt bike and wake board in her free time, is undecided on her major at UCSB. She wants to make the most of her final opportunity playing for the Troubadours.
"The biggest thing I have learned from Maryclaire is to make other people better," said Porter. "I will improve by making people better and leading by example. Being a senior this year, I will incorporate that and help the younger players improve."
Porter will participate in the St. Francis Signing Day Celebration on Nov. 14.
"My favorite memory was Holy Cup my sophomore year. It was raining under the lights in Hughes Stadium. We won in the last 30 seconds and all piled on top of each other. It showed how close we are as a team competitive we are. I am excited for this year and playing in the stadium again."
