November Monthly Newsletter
Boys Coach Spotlight
Our coaches spotlight is Andriy “Dre” Budniy of the 2007 and 2008 Boys ECNL teams. Dre is an immigrant from Ukraine, who came to this country in 2002. With over 100 professional goals Dre can speak to the kids of his experiences and what it takes to play at the highest level.
During his time here at Legends FC, he's helped develop and shape some of the best players in the club the past couple years. As the head assistant of APU men's soccer program who last year were #1 in the Nation the entire season, he strives to make Legends FC one of the best clubs in the country. We are lucky to have such a passionate and talented coach in our system. Dre attended Bard College when he arrived in the states. He then transferred to San Jose State University in 2002 and then transferred to Azusa Pacific University, where he earned the 2005 Golden State Athletic Conference and Region II Player of the Year award. Having spent much of the early part of 2006 training with Chivas USA of Major League Soccer, Dre signed his first professional contract with Charlotte Eagles of the USL Second Division on 28 June 2006,and subsequently played in 8 games for the team, scoring 1 goal. Andriy returned to his homeland in 2006, playing initially for Arsenal Bila Tserkva and then for Obolon Kyiv. He was the top scorer for Obolon's reserves, FC Obolon-2 Kyiv, in the Ukrainian Second League in 2007–2008, with 20 goals. Andriy returned to the United States in early 2009, and joined Carolina RailHawks of the USL First Division in April 2009. It's hard to find someone with as much passion and knowledge for the game as Dre has. He pushes himself to improve daily and helps challenge in asking questions in a quest to improve himself but also our staff better. With that reason he's my spotlight coach of the Month.
Written by Drew Rea
Boys Player Spotlight
Noah Walker of the 2004 ECNL Boys has been in the club for 9 years. YES 9 years. As a junior in high school Noah has two more years left and he will move on to playing in college. I've known this player since joining Legends 3 years ago and he has shown so many amazing qualities. He's currently coming off 1 of 2 ACL surgeries in the past 3 years. Anyone that has gone through 1 surgery knows the level of commitment it takes to get through 2 in such a short time. Noah has been a respected and a decorated captain for many years, helping his team win many things along the way. This year Noah has handed over his captaincy to another leader on the team. Some would never think to do such a selfless act and to me it shows immense maturity to know what is needed for the team and himself, a true captain's action. If every kid in club soccer had his passion, loyalty, and desire to take not only himself to the highest level but also the boys on his team we would all be winning national championships. I hope the youth of our club see the leaders that pave a path for their success. We are lucky as a club to have players like Noah Walker in the organization and this is why he is my Player Spotlight of the month.
Written by Drew Rea
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 so this also means in the recruiting world. We have to sit back and rethink some of our actions. On the boys side one is to use this time to contact more schools that fit our profiles and desires. We may have a list of 10-20 schools, this may need to be 20-30 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. So many schools have said they are not recruiting this year due to COVID as a result of the senior classes scheduled to repeat a year. This wider search will provide more options and more eyes on you as a player. Don't lose hope and 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. Lastly make sure you have signed up for the NCAA Clearinghouse and completed your profile.
Sophomores and Freshman:
Sit down with your parents and loved ones and 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 and 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 Drew Rea to answer any questions regarding this process. He's always happy to get on a zoom or phone call with you or the family. HINT: “the 3 Q’s” Quality of Life, Quality of Education, Quality of Life” These should help narrow down your search. If you check off these 3 criterias that school should be a good fit.