ALUMNI
ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS & UPDATES
Seahorse alum Elijah Amadin ('21-'22) signed with LA Galaxy II after two seasons with the Seahorses in USL League Two. Congratulations Eli! Position: Defender School: Concordia University Irvine
Congratulations to Malik Shaheed ('19 & '21) on signing with another NISA team, Flower City Union! After playing with the Seahorses in 2021, Malik signed with Bay Cities FC for the 2022 season. Position: Defender School: Lipscomb University, Biola University
Former Seahorse L2 player and captain, Gerardo “Gera” de la Torre ('21-'22) signed a professional contract with Spanish club Gimnastic de Tarragona training and competing with their second division team. Congratulations, Gera! Position: Forward School: SOKA University
DEREK WALDECK (‘18-’19)
Derek Waldeck joined the Seahorses (2018-19) while playing at Stanford University and winning two NCAA Division I National Championships. Being chosen to the All-Far West Region Team and being drafted by the MLS’ FC Dallas in the third round are two of his many achievements in his soccer career. He currently has a professional contract with FC Dallas’ second team North Texas SC in USL1. It was Derek’s tremendous soccer ability, work ethic, and humble servant leadership that helped give the 2019 Seahorses their best season since 2006. Derek was drafted by FC Dallas and played for North Texas FC where he received USL League One Team of the Week honors twice during the 2020 Season. He currently plays for One Knoxville SC. Thank you for blessing us, Derek!!
Derek shares a bit of his Seahorses’ experience:
“It was special to me because it was far more than just a soccer team full of believers. Each night in SMT we grew in relationship with the Lord as well as with each other. Every training session, every game, and every other event the team did together I saw players and staff alike pushing each other to grow and engaging in authentic fellowship.
In both seasons that I played with the Seahorses it was evident that God was working in the lives of so many people involved: players, coaches, volunteers, and staff members. It was clear that everyone involved with the organization wanted Jesus to be at the center of what we did.”
Yes, competing was important and we wanted results in every single match. But there was clear purpose to what and who the team was competing for, and that purpose is something that is very difficult to find in the world of competitive soccer today. I found myself questioning many of the reasons why I play the game. Seahorses continuously reminded me and challenged me to keep my eyes on Jesus while I played rather than myself.
Coming out of two seasons I gained valuable training and game minutes that I took back with me for my college seasons, but most importantly I felt equipped to go out and share the hope and the grace of the Gospel confidently.”