Sometimes all it takes is one moment to understand your true calling in life. When Pacific Lutheran University alum Andrew Croft was in Uganda in 2012, he was able to appreciate how soccer made an impact on a global level. That was enough reason for Croft to resurrect his soccer career.
Croft quit the PLU soccer team his junior year, because he said he made some bad decisions that left him unprepared for the year’s upcoming training camp. Not a day goes by that Croft said he regrets making that decision.
“Since that day, I have really done some amazing things,” Croft said. “I don’t think that a couple bad decisions can stop you from chasing your dream, and I have had some very special people in my life that have helped me realize that.”
In December 2012, Croft trained with the Tacoma Stars, Washington State’s only professional indoor soccer team. He lived in Seattle at the time, so he had to drive one and a half hours to and from Tacoma three times per week to train and play.
Now, Croft plays for the Tacoma Galaxy. The undefeated Galaxy recently won the 2014 Northwest Division Title of the Premier Arena Soccer League (PASL). As the team’s goalkeeper, Croft has aided the Galaxy in attaining an unblemished record in their inaugural season in the PASL.
Now that the Galaxy have been named champions, the team will travel to Chicago’s Sears Arena March 15-16 to compete with other top PASL teams from around the Nation for the PASL Premier National Title.
“It feels incredible to be headed to Chicago with the Tacoma Galaxy,” Croft said. “It has always been my dream to play in a national tournament and to be able to represent the Northwest with my teammates — who are some of the best I have ever played with — as the best of the best in indoor soccer is a great feeling.”
Croft said he probably wouldn’t be where he is without the support of his wife, Tafara Pulse. Pulse is a professional women’s soccer player who plays for the Sounders women’s team.
“She pushed me to get back in shape and push through any negative thought I would have about not making it,” Croft said. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have even taken the idea seriously. She is my biggest inspiration and supporter.”
For now, Croft has his sights set on capturing the elusive PASL title, realizing he has found his true potential in soccer.
