This issue’s Athlete Spotlight features University of Redlands Soccer Commit, Ryan Hubbard. Hubbard has been a member of Aliso’s soccer program for all four years, as well as being a member of the varsity team for two years. He was a pivotal player for the boys soccer team this season, starting at right back.
What makes Hubbard stand out from the rest of the players on the pitch is his ability to read and cut out through balls coming in from the midfield and fullbacks to his side winger. With this interception, he can break through the opposition front three or two, and launch an attack with numbers up for Aliso. Hubbard is also phenomenally good in one-on-one situations and his first touch control is one of the best on the pitch.
Hubbard has been playing soccer since he was four years old. “Ever since I started I knew it was going to be my life”.
He also describes what he does in his free time away from the field.
“I love going to the beach and hanging with friends. Also, my second sport that I play for fun, Golf.”
Hubbard is a team player who contributes to the team in other ways other than playing as well. The energy that he brings day in and day out is unmatched and strengthens the bond that the team has with each other. “Three characteristics that I would describe myself as are being very outgoing, a people person, and loyal.”
An example of this would be during the team’s training sessions, where he is in charge of playing the music in the stadium to set the vibe of the session. At the moment, his favorite song is “Randomly” by LUCKI.
Hubbard recently committed to play NCAA Soccer at the University of Redlands. Last year the University of Redlands finished in second place in their league, with only Occidental College being ranked above them.
Aliso is in the inaugural Open Division playoff against Mira Costa, where the top eight teams out of 500-plus teams battle for a title, and a spot in the state CIF tournament. Although battling through minor injuries throughout the season, Hubbard has persevered and is willing to fight for Aliso’s playoff life, being down zero to one heading into the second leg of the first-round tie against Mira Costa.
Captain Talan Chauncey has high praise for Ryan as well.
“Ryan has been a teammate of mine for many years now. He is a great player, very confident with that ball at his feet. He is always hard-working and has a great attitude on and off the field. He is overall just a great player and his abilities have been awarded recently with a scholarship to play at Redlands University.”
Hubbard looks to close out his chapter as a Wolverine a highly respected player on the field, and a great leader off the field. He will leave a legacy at Aliso Niguel in which many other young aspiring soccer players will want to fill his shoes, but what big shoes they are to fill.
