The Parkside C.I. student signs with the NCAA Division 1 Big Ten school to
continue soccer career as a Cornhusker and major in business and marketing
Sadie Waite (middle) at her signing announcement with the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, with parents Chris, far left, and Christine, far right, Parkside athletic director Adam Brisson, second from left and Gerry Safadi, Parkside teacher and girls' soccer coach. Nebraska is a NCAA Division 1 school in the Big Ten Conference. (photo / courtesy PCI athletics)
By Rob J. Ross
ST. THOMAS - When Sadie Waite was 12 years old she received a call-up to a team two years older.
Facing opponents nearly a foot taller, Waite never looked out of place on the field.
That experience ignited the competitive spirit in the young midfielder.
Six years later, Waite has signed to continue her soccer career and post secondary education on a full scholarship with the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.
"It was the whole package because growing up the academics and athletics had to be equal in our family. The soccer team was amazing and the coaches and players were amazing," said Waite. "When I looked into the academics and the programs I was interested in, I saw that they are very recognized for it and they're a great school in general. The whole overall experience of the school kind of drew me in to it."
Nebraska is a NCAA Division 1 school in the Big Ten Conference, based in Lincoln, Nebraska.
"I didn't visit during my recruitment stage because of covid, but I did visit during the Thanksgiving weekend," Waite said. "I was speechless. It was like nothing that I've ever seen before. The facilities are out of this world. I've never even been to the state of Nebraska.
"We were lucky enough to watch a football game when we were down there. Their stadium holds 91,000 people. I had never experienced any thing like that in a sports game. The whole stadium was shaking."
Waite was initially introduced to Nebraska, by Florence Belize, a friend and freshman midfielder with the Cornhuskers. Belize is one of six Canadians with the current team coached by Jon Walker.
Sadie Waite will continue her education and soccer career with the University of Nebraska starting autumn 2022. (photo / courtesy Parkside Athletics)
"She told me a little bit about the school and how much she loved it. That's how I started looking in to it."
When exporing options of post secondary schools, Waite had no interest living in a large metropolis.
"I'm not a city girl at all. The big school feel I love, but I'm not into having a school right in a big city," Waite said. "I wanted a big well known school, but I don't like the city that goes along with most of them. Nebraska was the perfect feel with a small town like Lincoln. It's the perfect balance."
The daughter of Chris and Christine Waite and sister to Grace, will major in business and marketing.
"I took a course in high school, sports and entertainment marketing and got interested in that type of field," Waite explained. "It's a good path for me because I don't really know what I want to do after university."
Waite does know that she wants to be prepared for the NCAA level.
"My main goal is to hit the ground running. The biggest thing is making the jump. It's a big gap from high school or club play to a Division 1 school. My goal is to go there and close that gap as quickly as possible," Waite said. "At Nebraska, the hardest working player, the one who deserves it, gets to play. My goal is to work hard and show the best that I can."
Waite started her soccer career in St. Thomas before playing with Byron, the London Youth Whitecaps and this past summer, London FC. Following a few years attending high school at Bill Crothers Secondary in Markham, Waite returned to St. Thomas, "to enjoy my Grade 12 year with my friends at Parkside."
Waite has been part of the Ontario REX program and attended U-17 National team camps.
"I've loved soccer my entire life and it has helped give me so many opportunities. I've had so many cool experiences that I will never forget," Waite said. "When I was in Grade eight I was able to go out to Vancouver and play with the B.C. REX program. It was one of the most amazing trips I've ever been on. We went out for a week and trained in the most beautiful scenery. You don't get to play around mountains all of the time."
Waite still recalls the day St. Thomas coach Gerry Safadi gave her an opportunity to play at higher age level.
Sadie Waite, an U12 player, in action with St. Thomas Soccer Club's U14 team, up against opponents two years older and with an obvious height advantage. Waite's skills and soccer IQ were noticeable even at her young age. (photo / courtesy Gerry Safadi)
"I have to give a lot of credit to Gerry. When I was U12, he called me up to his daughter's team, two years older than me. I wasn't really ready for anything more, but he got me more into the competitive area. That's when I realized i could do a little more than just playing for fun. Gerry was the one who helped me recognized that."
Coach Safadi saw an emerging talent in the young player.
"Most players who play up in age do so because they are physically dominant at a younger age. Sadie played up because she was exceptionally skillful and had a tremendous soccer IQ," Safadi said. "She was always looking for opportunities to challenge herself. She loved the game and was willing to put in the time and sacrifices required that would allow her to play at the highest level."
Waite also thanks Mike Ayyash, of the Whitecaps, London FC's Brandon and Adam Brisson, teacher and athletic director at Parkside.
Her family and friends are eager to see Waite on the collegiate pitch.
"They've been planning lots of road trips and watch all of the games. But I think they're more excited to go watch the football games than soccer," laughs Waite.
That likely won't bother Waite as she is used to being up against giants.
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