Chris Spendlove has been playing soccer since he was 6 and plans on playing for years to come.
Spendlove came to Oklahoma City University from Liverpool, England to play soccer for Brian Harvey and take advantage of the great academics that OCU has to offer.
“Coach Harvey is a great coach and it was a great opportunity to come here to play and go to school,” said Spendlove.
Although Spendlove is far from home, he has made the most out of his opportunities in America. Instead of going home for the summer, Spendlove stayed and played in the Premier Development League, an amateur league that is currently the highest level of competition in amateur soccer.
Spendlove was a member of the Austin Aztex team in the league, spending the summer developing skills and gaining exposure in hopes of playing professionally after college. Spendlove’s future plans include playing professionally for a few years before settling down to teach and coach soccer at a collegiate level in America.
The Stars are off to a 3-1 start this season, and Spendlove has a lot to do with their success. He is leading the Stars in scoring with four goals for the season.
“It is nice to be a defender and score, but I am most happy about the overall team effort. It is more important to me that the team wins instead of my individual goals,” said Spendlove.
OCU was ranked 15th in the preseason NAIA poll.
“Chris is off to a tremendous start to the season,” said Coach Harvey. "It is a bonus to have a defender doing a great job in the field and also be the leading scorer for the team."
There is no doubt about it, Spendlove has high expectations for his team. The goal for this season: making the NAIA Championships.
More on Chris:
Career plans: Teach and coach in the USA
If I played another sport, it would be: Golf
Favorite holiday destination: Thailand
Favorite pizza: Margarita with chicken
My goal this year: Nationals at all costs
