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Local soccer talent named All American
Turlock Soccer Girl Cutout
Turlock High grad and current MJC soccer standout Sara Latham is considering offers from a handful of Division I teams like USC, UOP and South Dakota State. - photo by Journal file photo

Since graduating from Turlock High in 2010 and joining Modesto Junior College’s women’s soccer team Sara Latham has experienced a high degree of success. Last year she was named to the All Regional Team, last fall she was named Big 8 Conference Player of the Year and last week she was selected to the JC All-American Division III team.

Now Latham is in the middle of a recruitment battle and a huge decision about her future as a soccer player and student.

“Anyone on the All American team is highly recruited,” MJC’s head coach Steve Aristotleous said.

 “I didn’t know this was going to happen, but I’m pretty excited,” Latham said.

After leading the Pirates to a 16th place finish in the nation Latham has received multiple offers from a handful of Division I teams like USC, UOP and South Dakota State. With a little more than a month and a half to make a verbal agreement Latham is leaning towards the full ride offer from South Dakota.

“I really enjoyed playing at MJC. It was neat to play with different players from all over,” Latham said. “But I like an environment where I have to work harder to get better.”

Aristotleous, who has only coached two other All American players in his 11 years as MJC’s head coach, believes Latham has more than enough skill to excel at the next level.

“I’ve been coaching club and college for a long time,” Aristotleous said. “I’ve had four or five girls go to Division I out of JC and they’ve done well but I think she is the best field player. I know she is going to play and contribute.”

Latham will make the trip to South Dakota State’s campus in the next few weeks and her decision is sure to follow soon after.

To contact Frankie Tovar, e-mail ftovar@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.