SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Lucy Stenning, who has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at George Washington. Stenning plays travel soccer in the ECNL for DKSC.
SoccerWire Featured Player since July 2021.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to verbally commit to George Washington University?
Lucy Stenning: It was a pretty easy decision to make once I’d visited. They have a medical school, which was really important to me, and the academic support for their athletes is a huge bonus. Not only is the school known for its academics, DC is a really fun city to be in. GW’s location means I’d have access to research programs and internships through local hospitals. On top of all that, Coaches Jeremy [Williams], Alan [Fread], and Kaylee [Sullivan] are not only great at tactics and understanding the game, but they have created an environment that is supportive and where their players feel valued. They study the game together and work towards getting better everyday. It was the perfect fit for me.
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
LS: The recruiting process is a long journey. I had a lot of calls in the beginning of the process, some of which I spoke with on and off for months, and some I never heard back from. The coaching changes are difficult to navigate. I would get pretty far along with one coach and then they’d leave, and I was stuck at the beginning with a new coach. There was a lot of emailing, twitter posts, and texting, and going from texts to a visit to an offer can take months. I would say you learn a lot about being patient, the approach some coaches take are vastly different than other coaches, so you have to be flexible, and coaches can be completely different with different recruits. It’s a rollercoaster.
SW: How do you believe your skill set fits into their style of play?
LS: Coach Jeremy at GW likes to focus on a possession style of play. He’s very good at playing players where they best excel and taking each player’s strengths into account. I like how he’s flexible and will adjust mid-game. All of these things are exactly how I like to play. Possession style is exactly what I wanted in a coach. They’re focusing a lot on film and game review, which I always get a lot out of.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
LS: I’ve always loved psychology and the sciences. I want to go to medical school and work in Sports Psychology and help young (or adult) athletes manage the pressure to perform, their own personal well being, and confidence to play at their peak ability.
SW: Growing up, who was your favorite soccer player?
LS: I played wing back for years and loved watching Crystal Dunn. She’s so fast and technical, obviously, but the way she uses her height to her advantage is something to be admired.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
LS: Soccer takes up most of my time, honestly, but I am in National Honor Society, volunteer with LovePacs, and spend as much time as I can with friends and family. This summer I’m going on a trip to Europe with my school and will get a job.
SW: What are your favorite pair of soccer cleats that you have ever owned?
LS: I always wear Nike Phantom’s in high tops. I have a customized pair that i wear now and love, but when I was just starting to play I had the pink and blue mismatched Pumas that were fun. I still love those cleats.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for the D’Feeters Kicks Soccer Club?
LS: D’Feeters has given me so many more opportunities than i imagined. There’s always a game to play, if you want extra touches, or there’s always a session you can join. Coach Hugh is a great balance of firm and positive. He’s encouraging and demanding, a great combination. Coach Jorge has helped my recruiting process so much too. He has been key helping me communicate with schools. There’s a lot of support at the club for their athletes.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play as a defender what would it be?
LS: It would just be to stay the course. Work on your own technical abilities. Take the game one at a time. Don’t shrug off training. Don’t compare your progress to another player’s.
Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
LS: D’Feeters coaches Hugh and Jorge are so important to me and my development and recruitment. They’ve been invaluable. My parents are the best parents any kid could ask for, special shout out to my dad for always traveling with me and being my #1 fan. My high school coach, all my teammates, my siblings, the list goes on and on.
