Shot Stopper

Paul headed to Cal State Bakersfield. 

By Mike Diaz and Jabes Pascual

LAVC Monarchs goalkeeper Sara Paul photoshoot in Los Angeles Valley College in Los Angeles, California. Sara is 3rd in the league for goalie saves. (Jack Vermanian | Valley Star)

Sara Paul spends her time on the pitch stopping shots that come her way, but the former Valley College goalie has no plans to stop in her soccer journey. 

 “My perseverance, a lot of times I wanted to quit and just stop,” Paul said, “But I love the game too much, and I know I wouldn’t be happy if I did that.” 

The 19-year-old freshman served as a captain of the women’s soccer squad that recently completed an up and down season. The team finished with a 7-13-2 mark, suffering through a series of injuries. Paul was one of a handful of players who started all 21 games. She recorded 1,890 minutes between the posts, totaled 109 saves and notched four shutouts.  

The California native started playing soccer at 13 and plans to transfer to Cal State Bakersfield in the spring to play for the Roadrunners. Paul's goal is to play professionally in Europe, specifically for Manchester United’s women’s club, where goalkeeper Mary Earps plays, a keeper Paul admires. 

The sports psychology major trains with Ian Feuer, a keeper who played for the Premier League’s West Ham United. He also played for the 1992 U.S. Olympic Soccer team and coached high-profile players, including Hope Solo. Solo who was the starting goalie for the U.S. side that captured a World Cup and two Olympic gold medals.

“Solo is probably one of the greatest keepers to ever come out of U.S. women’s soccer,” Paul said.

Paul plans to play soccer for as long as she can. She enjoys the support of her coaches, and her family especially her father. 

 “Going to watch pro soccer games with my dad has made me love the game so much more,” Paul said, “Just watching is definitely big in my life.” 

The confident goalie ended the season with three-straight shutouts, helping her team win its final game, 5-0, against Glendale College.  

“Although she had to fight physical and emotional exhaustion, not to mention injuries in the last games of the season, she did so brilliantly, leading her team to three important wins,” right-back and teammate Andrea Martin said, “She showcased her amazing leadership and dedication to her team in the sport she loves.”