Soccer star signs with University of Colorado

Jake McAllister has been a standout soccer player for Sisters High School all four years of his varsity career. Now he will take his skills to the next level. McAllister recently signed an official letter of intent and will play soccer for the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) this fall. UCCS is a Division II school just outside of Denver, and sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet.

McAllister started playing soccer not long after he learned to walk. At three years of age, while living in Redmond, Jake started playing on a Parks & Recreation team.

The family moved to Sisters when Jake was in third grade and Jake, along with buddies Evan Rickards and Devon Calvin, played up on the seventh- and eighth-grade Sisters Blaze team. The team travelled to Eugene most weekends.

In sixth grade, Jake decided to play with his cousin on a team in Vancover, Washington. Again, Jake played up, and his parents diligently drove him to Vancouver every weekend from October through January. Jake played any and every position on the team, even keeper. McAllister continued to play with this same group of guys all the way through high school.

In 2012 and 2013 the Vancouver Timbers not only won their league but also placed second in state competition in the premier league. The elite team traveled all over Washington state, and also were in showcase tournaments in Las Vegas.

At the close of McAllister's high school soccer career he had accumulated numerous awards and some impressive stats. Jake was named First Team All League, League Player of the Year and was named First Team All State his sophomore, junior, and senior years. His career stats include 69 goals and 24 assists. He also posted 37 goals and six assists this past season alone and led all levels at scoring.

High school coach Rob Jensen told The Nugget that Jake is more than capable of playing at the collegiate level.

"Jake is a very talented soccer player that matches athleticism with skill, and strength with determination," said Jensen. "Jake is going to do great at the next level, and I think he has found a school that he will plug right into and contribute immediately. I have always said that if your best player is your hardest worker, then your team is bound to be successful. I am thankful to have coached such an amazing young man and am proud of his achievements both on and off the field. Jake was part of a senior group that were program-changers. I think that UCCS will benefit greatly from such a solid young man. His character, commitment and work ethic will make that program better."

This year, Jake was selected the 4A Player of the Year and is one of three finalists, one of which will be named Prep Soccer Player of the Year for all divisions, 1A through 6A. The winner has not yet been announced.

All of these numerous awards gained McAllister attention from several colleges. Jake narrowed down his college interests to Simon Fraser in Vancouver, Canada, and the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and sent emails and video highlights to both colleges.

In May of 2013, Jake visited Simon Fraser, which was his number-one choice at the time, but he didn't make any commitments. In November of the same year, the University of Colorado contacted Jake and a visit was planned for early January, 2014. At the end of his visit, McAllister knew immediately that he wanted to attend UCCS.

"I liked the location of the campus, what the school had to offer, and I really enjoyed talking with Coach Johnie Keen," said McAllister. "I really liked his

program."

McAllister will head to Colorado on August 11, to help the team with their annual camp.

"It's an ID camp where high school students can be seen by college coaches," said McAllister. "From there I'll head right into pre-season practice, and conditioning training. I really noticed the altitude when I visited and it's going to be difficult to get used to."

Jake told The Nugget that he wouldn't be where he was today and have the opportunity he's been given without the help and support of his parents and Coach Jensen.

"My parents have been such a huge support," said McAllister. "They made great sacrifices to get me to soccer games in Vancouver every weekend, and they have really helped me achieve my goals and aspirations. Coach Jensen has also been a big support and was a major help in my recruiting process. He's taught me so much, not just about soccer but about being a man of character and integrity."