Vanguard University

The athlete: Eric comes to the Lions as a junior after spending 2003-2006 at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA…played for Head Coach Glenn Strachen where he led the team with seven assists in 2005…tallied a total of eight goals and 11 assists in two seasons…graduated from Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, CA in 2003…played for Head Coach Ryan Hernandez…also ran track…has played soccer for 17 years…very clean with the ball…makes good decision on offense…will be battling for a starting spot in 2008.

The person: Eric Michael was born in Fountain Valley, CA on October 30, 1985 to parents Michael and Nella…has two brothers and one sister…majoring in Communications…likes eating at “Chipotle”…watches ESPN and his favorite movie is “Boondock Saints”…favorite Bible verse is Phil. 4:13…roots for UCLA…sports hero is Nedim Pajevic…most respects his mother for always being there for him through good and bad…learned that life is short, so have fun, laugh, and smile a lot…soccer has taught him hard word, dedication and teamwork is the key to success…career goal is to be successful at whatever he does.

His thoughts: I selected Vanguard for its academic and soccer program.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts:  Eric has played two years of J.C. ball.  We’re hoping he can bring leadership and experience to our program.