Freshman Vance Sheffield started playing soccer when he was three years old, and is now on La Salle’s boys varsity soccer team. 

Sheffield said that his sisters enjoyed watching and playing soccer, which prompted him to give the sport a try. “I kind of just started playing and I liked it,” he said.

Out on the field, Sheffield plays both as a striker and on the wing. The team has been working hard to keep moving forward through the season, and Sheffield plans to do everything he can to contribute. 

“We’re just gonna keep trying to win, and improve every game,” Sheffield said. 

Throughout the year, Sheffield plays club soccer with Oregon Premier Football Club, but luckily has some months off from September to December and is able to play for La Salle.

When Sheffield isn’t playing soccer, he spends his time playing the piano, hanging out with his family, and boating. 

“I love being on the water,” Sheffield said. 

Sheffield attended Athey Creek Middle School in Tualatin before being accepted to La Salle. Both of his sisters went to West Linn High School, but Sheffield wanted something different. 

“I visited [La Salle] to see what it was like, and I really liked it,” Sheffield said. He was especially appreciative of the teachers he met on his visit, as he felt that they were very welcoming. 

During the winter sports season Sheffield has played basketball, but he said that soccer is definitely his priority. He said he hopes to continue his soccer career into college and getting a scholarship to do so is a major goal of his.

With practice three days a week, in addition to games twice a week, it has opened a window for Sheffield to create a regimen in order to keep up with everything.

“I’m still trying to get into a routine, but just prioritizing things,” Sheffield said. “You have to stay on schedule, make time for homework, and get enough sleep [as well as] eating the right foods because you don’t want [to] get injured.”

This year, Sheffield’s goal is to win state.

“I really hope our team continues to do well,” Sheffield said. “I think we will. My main goal is to just keep scoring goals, and helping my team in whatever way I can.”

The next boys varsity soccer game is on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. against David Douglas High School, where you can show off your support.