Dream Of Going Pro Come True For Talented and Bold Defender
Hayden Sargis loves soccer and his passion is visible on and off the field. At age 17, Sargis has been signed by USL Championship Sacramento Republic FC and another youth soccer player’s dream of signing a pro contract has come true.
Hayden Sargis began playing soccer before he started kindergarten and his passion for the world’s most beautiful game has only grown deeper over the years. A standout at the Sacramento Republic FC Academy, this star defender just signed his first professional contract with Republic FC, launching the next step of his career.
Playing professionally for his hometown of Sacramento has been a lifelong dream for the 17-year-old who signed with the Indomitable Club in January and logged 109 appearances, 92 starts, and three goals in his Academy career.
Since the launch of the Republic Academy in 2015, the club has offered eight USL Academy contracts. Sargis is the second academy members to sign a professional contract with Republic FC.
SoccerToday Interview with Hayden Sargis
Diane Scavuzzo: Congratulations on signing your first professional soccer contract!
Hayden Sargis: Thank you, thank you.
Diane Scavuzzo: So this is what you’ve always wanted — since you were how old?
Hayden Sargis: I have wanted to become a professional player for as long as I can remember and I started playing when I was 4-years-old. I
Diane Scavuzzo: How did you feel when you got offered your contract?
Hayden Sargis: It was crazy. It was a huge moment. I was speechless. I was just so excited. It’s a kid’s dream to become a professional soccer player. So for me to do it at the age of 17, it is unbelievable. It is just an unbelievable feeling.
Diane Scavuzzo: How does it feel to be offered a contract by the club that you’ve been training with for so many years?
Hayden Sargis: Perfect. It’s like all the hard work has paid off. I joined the Sacramento Republic Academy in 2014, so to be able to play for this club for five to six years and, and then to play for its first team, it is awesome. Sacramento, Sacramento Republic is a great club.
Diane Scavuzzo: What coach has helped you the most?
Hayden Sargis: That’s a tough question. I’ve, I’ve had a lot of coaches. I definitely want to mention my dad because through my youth career, before I joined the Sacramento Republic, he was the only one who coached me. So my dad has definitely had a big part of developing me and continuing to push and motivate me to get to the next step.
Diane Scavuzzo: On the field, it is clear to see your determination and force. You go straight into a challenge as if you’re expecting the other person to back down. How would you describe your style as a player?
Hayden Sargis: Well, I’m a center back, so obviously I need to be a defender. I need to not concede a goal. So whatever I can do, I need to defend first. I like to be a defender, and I also like to be a creator from the back. So I like to create chances.
Diane Scavuzzo: You have opted to go turn down college offers ….
Hayden Sargis: I’m not really worried about college right now. I’m doing everything I can with soccer and then see how it goes.
Diane Scavuzzo: So what do you think is the reason that you’ve reached the level of professional soccer?
Hayden Sargis: I’ve made many sacrifices to get to this point though and I’m very passionate about the sport. I love everything about it and I work extremely hard.
My mom’s a nutritionist, so we eat great every night — our dinners are perfect. Always a lot of protein, and always different.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are you most excited about?
Hayden Sargis: March 7th, the first game of the season. I’m really excited to get the season rolling.
