By Jennifer Gross
Staff Writer
Ever since he was four, Matt Robles has been playing soccer. He became interested in it mainly because of his brothers, but it was the uniqueness of the sport that drew him to it.
“Soccer is different from any other sport,” said Robles. “You can’t use your hands!”
The 19-year-old sophomore from Ontario is the second of six boys and lives with his mom and step-dad. He comes from a sports-oriented family. His biological father used to play baseball for the Detroit Tigers and his brother Dave plays tennis at Northern Arizona State University.
The Chaffey High School graduate chose the University of La Verne simply due to word-of-mouth advertising.
“While playing a CIF championship soccer game, the coach was sitting behind my parents and talked to them about ULV,” said Robles. “It sounded good.”
While Robles is undecided in a major, he would ultimately like to become a professional soccer player. According to Robles, a new league is being formed in the United States. If that does not work out, he would like to get into computer graphics.
Robles’s hobbies include mainly soccer and art.
“I like to draw,” said Robles. “I also like football, baseball and hockey.”
While maintaining a full class schedule, being one of two captains and the starting goal keeper for the soccer team, Robles also holds a part-time job at a storage facility in Upland. According to his coach, Dr. Owen Wright, he is an “outstanding young man.”
“Matt has been with us for two years and he is a total competitor,” said Wright. “He is a real asset to the team.”
According to Dr. Wright, by serving as a team captain, Robles shows great respect to his peers.
“On the forward line, you can make three mistakes, the goal keeper cannot make any,” said Dr. Wright. “No one saves the goal keeper.”
Unfortunately, Robles is considering transferring to another school because of financial aid problems.
“I’m looking at possibly Oregon State or Cal State Fullerton,” said Robles.
No matter where Robles ends up, his coach feels he will be great.
“There is a possibility Matt will become a great soccer player,” said Dr. Wright. “I respect him totally and will support him in anything he does.”
Jennifer Gross
