Carson High School senior Julie Torres will play soccer at Sterling Univeristy next year.
Julie Torres’ midfield play was a key reason behind Carson High’s soccer success this season.
Torres signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Sterling University, an NAIA school located in Kansas. Torres will join former Carson baseball standouts Nick Domitrovich and Luke Maher, both of whom transferred to Sterling this past fall after successful junior college careers.
Torres said she considered several schools, but the decision came down to either Sterling or Midwestern State. She visisted the campus in January, and liked what she saw.
“I got a pretty good scholarship offer,” Torres said. “Most of it is for soccer, but they threw some academic money in, too. I thought Sterling would be a better fit for me. The university is like a little town, and everybody was so friendly.
“I saw Luke and Nick in the cafeteria when I was on my visit. They asked me right away if I was going there. I didn’t know back then. They told me what they liked about it and what they didn’t like about it which was good to hear. They gave me a lot to think about.”
Actually, Torres has been on Sterling’s radar since her junior year. A member of the Sterling coaching staff saw her play in a club tournament.
“My assistant (Nic Martinez) saw her play in a showcase in Las Vegas,” said Sterling head coach Justin Morris. “We had a chance to watch her play when she came here on her visit. We were very impressed with her vision and athleticism. We think she will be able to make an immediate impact as a freshman. We are looking forward to having her be part of the program.”
Torres said she got an email from the Sterling coaches the following week, and the CHS standout said Sterling saw her play this year in a club tournament in Arizona.
“They told me they wanted me on their team,” Torres said.
Where Torres ends up playing is anybody’s guess. The CHS senior has her preference.
“I told them I feel I’m better at that (center midfield),” Torres said. “I have a lot of confidence when I play center midfield.”
“More than likely she will be in the role of a defensive midfielder,” Morris said. “Maybe center back. We will just have to see how things work out.”
Torres’ high school coach, Greg Lehman, said she’s a versatile player.
“I think Julie can play whatever position they need her to play,” Lehman said. “She is a disciplined player. I see her playing in the midfield, but I think she could play in the back. She wants to play; wants to be on the field.”
Torres said she will be leaving for school in mid-August.