JT Danks ’22 has committed to play soccer at California State University, Northridge. The Friars’ center back shared, “I chose CSUN because it’s a beautiful campus. One of my former soccer coaches, Victor Vasquez, attended CSUN and told me stories about his experience playing there and about the campus and I fell in love with it. The school also offers a variety of majors I’m interested in studying.
Danks continued, “As for the soccer program, Coach Davila and Coach Garcia are amazing coaches. I’ve had great conversations with them about who I am as a player and what I can offer to their program. I’ve watched many of their matches on TV and they play a type of soccer built around hard-working players who are willing to fight for something bigger than themselves. Servite soccer also has these qualities embedded in our program and it’s something I’d still like to be a part of at the next level.”
A three-year varsity letterman and 2020 CIF Champion, Danks earned 1st Team All-Trinity League recognition his junior year as an anchor on the back line helping lead the team to their 8th consecutive league title. Throughout his career, the Friars’ senior captain has played in 29 games tallying eight points. In that time, the defense has held opponents to .72 goals per game with 12 shutouts.
Head Coach Eddie Soto shared, “I’m excited that JT landed a DI spot at CSUN. He’s worked very hard to get this opportunity. He’ll be joining a program where he’ll be able to continue his soccer development and compete for the next four years. I look forward to watching him play and see his true potential blossom. Congratulations to JT and his entire family!”
Danks, who plans to study criminal justice or speech pathology at CSUN, has volunteered with Higher Ground and the Ronald McDonald House throughout high school.
With his commitment, Danks becomes the sixth senior soccer player to announce his college decision joining Merrick Cook who is also headed to Northridge to play for the Matadors as well as Eddie Villeda (UCSB), Justin Faison (Sac State), Lucas Gimenez (Sac State) and Kevin Sanchez (Concordia).
In closing Danks shared, “Thank you to my family and coaches who have been supporting me over the years, especially the last four years. First of all, I wanted to thank my family for putting in countless hours to take me to practice, watch my games, and manage our program, I love you guys and can’t wait to see what is in store for me next. I also want to thank my little brother Dillan, who is my biggest critic, for always supporting me after my games… as he offers his opinion whether it’s good, bad or ugly.”
He went on to say to his coaches, “Thank you, Coach Soto, for your constant support of not just me but the entire program, you have put in countless time and effort to see the best come from your players, you take pride in your work, and have taught me to do the same. Thank you to Coach Bob, your constant battle to get the best out of me has always been appreciated and has encouraged me to be the best player and person I can be. Thank you to Coach Garcia who is always running up and down the field coaching me and my teammates with endless passion. Not only is he my high school coach but my club coach, I will be forever grateful for your support on and off the field. Thank you Coach Alex, you not only taught me how to play center back but also made me more of a versatile player by teaching me how to play right back and giving me a different way to look at the game. Finally, to the defensive king, Danny Califf, thank you for all the 1-on-1 training sessions that guided my defensive player development. I will forever remember your “box drills” and to keep my mental game strong. None of this could have been possible without the support of my family and coaches. I am forever grateful and hope to continue to make you all proud!”
Danks will be recognized publically at Servite during a Signing Day ceremony held on February 2nd.
