This fall, Anna will be heading to Hoboken, New Jersey to play Division III soccer for Stevens Institute of Technology. The college was founded in 1870 and is known for its engineering, science, and business management programs, with an emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. The Women’s Soccer team was ranked in the Top 10 nationally in 2016.
Tell us about some of your high school activities.
I have a 3.95 GPA and I've taken many of the Honors and AP courses offered at POLAHS. I'm involved in a model legislature and court program known as Youth and Government. I've done it all four years of high school and within it I have been elected Secretary of the Senate, Committee Chair, and bill sponsor. I've been Class President all four years of high school and this year I'm the ASB President. I’m also the Chairwoman of the Blood Drive. For my volunteer work I've worked at Harbor Interfaith, primary and presidential election polls, and Holy Trinity confirmation classes.
When did you start playing soccer? Why are you passionate about the sport?
I started playing soccer when I was five or six years old. I love the sport because when I'm playing, I can forget all the other things I have to deal with and just focus on the game. Soccer has always come naturally, so I had a strong foundation to build off of when I started getting serious about playing. It's the most fun thing in the world to me! I love the competition and the bonds you build with your teammates. I've met some of my best friends through my teams, and I'm so thankful for it. I'm so glad I get to continue to play for the next four years and I know it's going to completely define my college experience.
Please share a few of your successes playing high school soccer.
While playing at POLAHS I was a 2016 All-City Selection, and a three year All-League selection. As for my club team, last year we placed second in the National Cup and were ranked #2 in California. We then went on to play in the Far-West Regional Championship in Boise, Idaho. We made it all the way to semi-finals.
What do you hope to study in college and what career path would you like to pursue?
I’ll be majoring in Business. I'm not exactly sure what I want to do because there are so many things that interest me, including fashion and fashion design. Being only 10 minutes outside of New York City is the perfect opportunity to get exposure and see different sides of the business world.
I have a 3.95 GPA and I've taken many of the Honors and AP courses offered at POLAHS. I'm involved in a model legislature and court program known as Youth and Government. I've done it all four years of high school and within it I have been elected Secretary of the Senate, Committee Chair, and bill sponsor. I've been Class President all four years of high school and this year I'm the ASB President. I’m also the Chairwoman of the Blood Drive. For my volunteer work I've worked at Harbor Interfaith, primary and presidential election polls, and Holy Trinity confirmation classes.
When did you start playing soccer? Why are you passionate about the sport?
I started playing soccer when I was five or six years old. I love the sport because when I'm playing, I can forget all the other things I have to deal with and just focus on the game. Soccer has always come naturally, so I had a strong foundation to build off of when I started getting serious about playing. It's the most fun thing in the world to me! I love the competition and the bonds you build with your teammates. I've met some of my best friends through my teams, and I'm so thankful for it. I'm so glad I get to continue to play for the next four years and I know it's going to completely define my college experience.
Please share a few of your successes playing high school soccer.
While playing at POLAHS I was a 2016 All-City Selection, and a three year All-League selection. As for my club team, last year we placed second in the National Cup and were ranked #2 in California. We then went on to play in the Far-West Regional Championship in Boise, Idaho. We made it all the way to semi-finals.
What do you hope to study in college and what career path would you like to pursue?
I’ll be majoring in Business. I'm not exactly sure what I want to do because there are so many things that interest me, including fashion and fashion design. Being only 10 minutes outside of New York City is the perfect opportunity to get exposure and see different sides of the business world.
How did you choose Stevens Institute of Technology?
I had a very difficult time coming to a decision about where to go to school. I made my decision after I visited the Stevens campus. New York City is my favorite city in America, and I could not turn down the opportunity to be so close. Everyone on campus at Stevens was so driven and just touring the school made me want to do something great with my life; the environment was empowering. My club soccer coach has a great relationship with the college coaches there, so that created a sense of security for me. Stevens has a history of academic excellence and a nationally ranked soccer program, so it is pretty much everything I've ever wanted in a school. Now that I've made my decision to go to Stevens, I could not be happier and I wouldn't want anything else.
I had a very difficult time coming to a decision about where to go to school. I made my decision after I visited the Stevens campus. New York City is my favorite city in America, and I could not turn down the opportunity to be so close. Everyone on campus at Stevens was so driven and just touring the school made me want to do something great with my life; the environment was empowering. My club soccer coach has a great relationship with the college coaches there, so that created a sense of security for me. Stevens has a history of academic excellence and a nationally ranked soccer program, so it is pretty much everything I've ever wanted in a school. Now that I've made my decision to go to Stevens, I could not be happier and I wouldn't want anything else.
Describe your experience attending POLAHS.
My experience at POLAHS has been great and I've honestly loved the teachers I've had here. Every teacher wants you to succeed! Sophomore year I suffered a concussion from playing soccer that kept me out of school or on limited school time for months, and every teacher was so understanding and helpful. I had doctor orders to cut down my work load and they did everything in their power to help me through the rough times. Teachers are always open to stay after school for tutoring or welcome you into their classrooms in the morning if you have questions. I sometimes stayed in Physics tutoring until after 5pm. Teachers also take an interest in your personal life in things such as soccer. I’m always asked how thing are going. Also, when I asked teachers to write me letters of recommendation for college they did it in a heartbeat. The teachers at POLAHS truly care about the students.
Congratulations, Anna! We are tremendously proud of your successes!