SANTA CLARA, Calif. - With the upcoming season drawing closer and closer, the Santa Clara women's soccer team welcomes Janae Gonzalez from the 2015 signing class to the Broncos' roster. A California native, Gonzalez currently resides in Folsom and attends Vista del Lago High School.
"We are thrilled to have Janae joining our team next fall," said head coach Jerry Smith. "She is a very versatile player, with a great work ethic and a never-say-die attitude who offers impact on both sides of the ball. We anticipate her competing for playing time either in midfield or up front."
Over the course of her three seasons at Vista del Lago, Gonzalez has racked up a number of awards. As a freshman, she earned All-Conference Team honors and finished in the top three nationwide in terms of assists for a freshman. During her second season competing with the Eagles, Gonzalez captained her squad and once again was named to the All-Conference Team. Last season, she continued her development and was voted, by the league coaches, as the league's Most Valuable Player. Currently competing in her senior season, Gonzalez will look to improve on her previous accomplishments this spring.
On the national level, Gonzalez is currently a member of the U-17 Mexican National Soccer Team. In 2013, she helped the squad capture the CONCACAF crown, dominating the attacking third in the process. During qualifying, she led the squad in both goals and assists. The following year, the team traveled to compete in the U-17 World Cup in Costa Rica where, once again, Gonzales led the squad in goals and assists. Her offensive skill helped her achieve the award for netting the best goal of U-17 World Cup as decided upon by FIFA.
Playing in the Olympic Development Program, Gonzalez was selected to the All-Tournament Team at the ODP Championships in 2013 and 2014. She was also invited to the ODP national camp during those two years of competition as well.
"Also, in addition to being a wonderful soccer player and student, Janae works very hard in her community and will additionally enhance our team's commitment to community service," said Smith. "So, we are looking forward to Janae adding a lot to our program, both on and off the field.
Away from the pitch, Gonzalez and her brother founded "Jerseys & Cleats For Kids," an organization that collects soccer gear and donates them to children across the globe, including youngsters in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Costa Rica and Guatemala to name a few. In her spare time, Gonzalez enjoys coaching and mentoring young soccer players.
"Santa Clara University was love at first sight," said Gonzalez. "From the first moment I stepped onto campus, I knew right away that this was my dream school and future home. The soccer program speaks for itself. Santa Clara has been a powerhouse in women's soccer for many years with an impeccable coaching staff that is always producing top national players and I'm honored to be a part of the Bronco family."
