Chloe Anderson

My Story

How did Strikers shape you as a person?

Playing for Strikers has helped shape me as a person on and off the field. Competing at Strikers, I have learned to overcome challenges with resilience and confidence. I also developed valuable time management skills that help me stay on top of my studies. Lastly, Strikers also brought me closer to some of my best friends!

How is high school/club soccer different than college soccer?

One of the biggest differences between high school/club soccer and college soccer is the change in intensity on the field. Playing at the next level is a step up in physicality and speed of play. Additionally, transitioning onto a new team of players who all come from different backgrounds can take time to adjust to. Nonetheless, college soccer is a blast and many of your teammates quickly become like family. 

What were the key factors you considered when evaluating potential colleges?

The biggest factor for me was finding a school with strong academic programs. As far as looking into programs goes, I wanted to find a team with a strong bond between all of the players because I knew I would spend a lot of my time with them. 

What was the most challenging part of the recruiting process?

It was difficult for me to find the motivation to reach out to colleges and make my highlight tapes. Even if I was getting attention from coaches, I didn't always take it seriously until I was in a time crunch to actually get recruited. Looking back on this, I could've devoted more time to the recruitment process to make it easier on myself. 

What advice would you give to younger athletes going through the recruiting process?

I would advise to devote a little time every week to working on getting recruited. It's much easier to take baby steps, than to put a ton of pressure on yourself all at once. This could mean taking 20 minutes to find highlights after your most recent game or sending a quick email to a coach! 

What do high school athletes not understand about college sports?

I think regardless of the level you play at, you spend a lot of time playing soccer, conditioning, lifting, etc. A lot of effort has to be put in, which can sometimes shock people if they don't love the process of developing as a player outside of just playing. However, playing a sport in college is such a privilege! 

What is the best part of playing college sports? What is the hardest part?

The best part about playing college sports has been the connections I have made with my teammates, many of whom are some of my best friends! The hardest part of college sports is the lack of free time you might have in season. A large majority of my time outside of soccer is spent studying. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with high school athletes?

If you are hesitant about playing in college, you can always try it out and later on decide if it is something you want to continue to do!