As just a junior at Pinewood, Thea Perry has already committed to the University of California, Los Angeles, one of the top Division 1 women’s soccer programs in the nation.

   Perry reached out to the coaching staff, and her interest was reciprocated throughout the recruitment process. She went on an official visit in September and spoke about her experience.

   “After UCLA reached back to me, we talked a few times over Zoom,” Perry said. “And then I went on a visit, and I just really liked it there.”

   Although many schools offer great soccer programs, Perry specifically chose UCLA for both the athletics and the school’s camaraderie.

   “I really liked the playing style of the team, and I already know some people on the team,” Perry said. “Everyone was super welcoming, and I love the community there.”

   Committing to a D1 athletics program is no easy feat and requires serious determination. Although there was no point in her career when she knew she wanted to play D1 soccer, her ambition to play collegiately started from a young age.

   “I just knew that I wanted to play at the highest level that I could, so D1 made the most sense,” Perry said.

   Now that she has committed, Perry is glad she’s finished with the recruitment process.

   “It’s super nice not having to stress about how well I’m playing,” Perry said. “I have more time now to just worry about improving myself and preparing for college.”

   As she prepares for the demands of D1 soccer, Perry knows that she will need to make adjustments and is ready to adapt.

   “I’ll definitely need to get used to the higher level of play and the quicker pace of the games, but I’ll just try to keep on getting better,” Perry said.

   Playing on the USA U16 National Soccer team, Perry has already experienced what it’s like to play at the highest level of competition. While it’s a different style of play compared to her club team, Mountain View Los Altos, she still keeps the same mindset playing the sport.

   “It’s a little more stressful because you only train for an hour with the team,” Perry said. “But then once you start playing games, at the end of the day, you’re still playing soccer.”

   Perry also shares her mindset on balancing both school and athletics while staying focused on her goals at the same time.

   “It’s really about prioritizing what you want to prioritize,” Perry said. “Find what’s meaningful to you and make the choice, and if it’s important enough then you’ll find time to do everything else.”

   Beyond just college, Perry is keeping an open mind and dreaming big.

   “Ultimately, I’d like to go professional because that would be a really cool experience,” Perry said. “I’m open to going anywhere and going out of my comfort zone.”