Centralia’s Cristian Luis is headed north to continue his soccer career. In front of family, friends, and teammates in the Centralia High School performing arts center Wednesday, he signed his Letter of Intent to play collegiate soccer at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) in Olympia.
“I’m very proud of my hard work and everything I’ve done to this point,” Luis said, while thanking his coaches for their support and encouragement. “I never thought I would go to college, but they all saw something in me that I never saw in myself … They believed in me. I had a good year, tried my hardest, worked hard, and stayed focused.”
Centralia High School coach Noel Vazquez and Twin City Union (Luis’ club team) coach Luis Magana were both in attendance, as was SPSCC coach Max Sampson.
Vazquez has coached him over the last three seasons at the high school, and as Twin City Union’s Club Director, he’s seen Luis’ growth over the past few years.
“I’m just proud of him,” Vazquez said. “He’s a really good example for his teammates and for the school that kids from a small town like Centralia can go out and make big things happen.”
Vazquez is also the men’s soccer coach at Centralia College, and he admitted that he would have loved to continue to coach Luis at the college level.
Luis decided to go north, though, noting SPSCC’s automotive technology program matched his interests academically.
“Going to the right place with the right offer and where he’s feeling welcome and wanted, I think that’s a big part of his success,” Vazquez said. “I’m super excited for him.”
Magana, who won a Club State Championship with Luis, also gave praise to him, saying that he’s happy to see him take the next step.
“I’m very proud that he’s able to pursue his passion for soccer at the next level,” Magana said.
Not only will Luis still be close enough for his family in Centralia to go see him play, but Luis also noted that he has family in Olympia.
“No matter what, I’ll always do good and have people there to support me,” Luis said.
And as NWAC foes, the Clippers and Trailblazers will meet multiple times a year.
“If he scores one on me, I hope he just looks at me and smiles,” Vazquez said. “Because that’s really the fun part.”
