On February 4th, Patrick Henry soccer standout Cameron Chavira signed a national letter of intent with the University of Virginia.
It’s a dream come true for Chavira, whose mother, as well as two grandparents, also attended the university. But even better still, it’s a chance to play with the defending national champion Cavaliers, who earned the program’s sixth national title with a 3-2 penalty kick shootout win over Akron in December.
“I’m really excited,” Chavira said. “UVA was always my first choice.”
Chavira also strongly considered William and Mary, along with George Washington, Notre Dame, and Harvard, among others. But according to Patriots Head Coach Chris Dowdy, when the Cavaliers came calling, it was pretty much a done deal.
“It’s where he always wanted to go,” Dowdy said. “I mean, he would even wear a UVA tie every time the kids had to get dressed up for a road trip or whatever. I think it’s a great fit for him.”
It’s a great fit for the Cavaliers, as well. In Chavira, UVA is getting a player who has been nothing short of spectacular during his time at Patrick Henry. For his career, Chavira ranks second all time in goals (51), assists (26) and total points. Last season, he was selected First-Team All District for the Western Valley District, while also garnering Northwest Region and VHSL Group AAA First Team honors. ESPNU tabbed Chavira as a 3rd Team All-American.
“He’s one of the best players to ever play at the school,” Dowdy said. “He’s been such a good role model for the other kids – he never misses a class, never misses a practice, and never makes an excuse. With his work ethic, he’ll do very well at the next level.”
Chavira can’t wait to get started. “There’s a lot of excitement, because UVA has some of the best players and best competition you can have at the college level. I’ve just got to get myself ready to get up to the caliber of play that they have there.”
By Matt Reeve [email protected]