Every year, the San Jose Earthquakes Academy sends numerous players to top universities around the country. Some will go on to play professionally, while others are being put in a position to exceed in other fields.
With the Quakes Academy hitting on all cylinders and Homegrown signings surely coming through in the near future, sjearthquakes.com chats with former members of San Jose’s youth system that are now competing at the collegiate level.
Full name: Dominic Ryan Peters
College: Wake Forest University
Year: Freshman
Major: Undeclared
Which Years with the SJEQ Academy: 2015-2017 (U16, U18)
Q: How are you enjoying college so far and what led you to choose the school you’re attending?
A: Having the ability to study at a top-tier institution while playing at the next level was a dream that is now reality for me. Wake Forest University has proven to be a perfect fit for me in the classes and on the field. I chose the school because of its academic reputation, highly competitive soccer program, and small, family-knit community. I knew from the start of my recruitment process that I was meant to attend Wake Forest, and I am delighted to be here.
Q: How did playing for the Earthquakes Academy prepare you for the next level?
A: Little things make all the difference in college soccer. Thankfully, the Earthquakes Academy focused on the little details that have made the transition to the next level smoother. I also was tactically prepared when I arrived at Wake Forest, as the style of play and brand of soccer are very similar at both programs.
Q: Do you still keep in touch with your former coaches and teammates? Do you share experiences and advice with each other?
A: The connections I made while on the Quakes Academy are ones that will last a lifetime. I still keep in contact with the coaching staff, as well as my ex-teammates. One person I keep in close contact with is Henry Foulk, my former goalkeeper coach. Even though we are thousands of miles away, I know I can pick up my phone at any time and talk to him about any topic ranging from everyday life to soccer. As for my former teammates, it is strange knowing that although we all are friends off the pitch, we are now rivals on it. I am confident that many of the friendships I formed on the team will continue to grow despite our difference in location.
Q: What are your on-field goals for this season and your four years in college?
A: At my time at Wake Forest, I want to continue to develop as a person, student, and goalkeeper. I strive to reflect and be proud of my accomplishments on and off the pitch at the end of each day.
Q: What lessons did you learn from the Academy that you still carry with you today?
A: Playing a collegiate sport while studying at the university is a difficult balance, and I would have been ill prepared without my experience at the Academy. I was first taught how to have balance between soccer, school, and other extracurricular activities with the Earthquakes. Finally, the Earthquakes Academy nurtured my love for the game, and because of my time with the club, I wake up every day motivated to perform to the best of my ability.
