Arruda will play for George Fox

Cassandra Arruda has been playing competitive soccer since she was in kindergarten, and after eight years of hard work she's going to take her skills to the next level. Arruda has committed to play for the George Fox Bruins, a Division 3 school located in Newberg.

Arruda was a high school varsity-starter for four years and also played for the FC Timbers. From fifth to eighth grade, Cassandra traveled almost every weekend with the Timbers to Portland for tournaments. In high school, the Timbers attended many out-of-state tournaments and showcase events, including Arizona, Las Vegas, Idaho, Colorado, Washington, and California.

The summer between her sophomore and junior year the FC Timbers won Regionals, which was held in Seattle, and qualified for Nationals in Denver. Arruda started to get noticed by college coaches from Seattle Pacific, Colorado State, Gonzaga, and Clairemont.

While playing with the FC Timbers at a tournament in Portland last summer, Arruda took the time to look at some other colleges, and happened upon George Fox.

"I decided to email the coach and I told him I was playing in Portland that night and I asked him to come and watch me play," said Arruda. "It was pretty late notice and I didn't know if he'd come or not."

Arruda found out later that one of the coaches did come, watched her play, and liked what he saw. Cassandra kept in close contact and was asked to come for a visit in September 2014. Arruda made the trip, stayed with one of the soccer players, met with the team, was shown the campus, and got to sit in on a couple of classes."

Arruda told The Nugget she absolutely loved the university and was full of reasons why.

"It was the perfect fit for me," said Arruda. "I liked that it was a smaller school of about 3,700 students, I liked the religious aspect, and they have a great medical program which is what I'm interested in.

"I also liked the coach, Cory Hand, and his focus and goals for the program. It's in a great location. It's small and reminds me of Sisters, and it's close to Portland and only one hour from the coast," added Arruda.

Arruda received one of the Bruins' highest academic scholarships, and told The Nugget she's likely to receive additional funds.

Casandra noted the ones who have supported her throughout her soccer journey.

"I'm really thankful for my parents and family who've supported me and taken me to all the tournaments and games," said Arruda. "Without them I wouldn't be where I am today. And, thanks to my coaches and teammates who taught me what I needed to know, pushed me to be my best, and kept me determined."