Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Colin Farley, Clayton Valley Charter High

Grade: Senior
School: Clayton Valley Charter High School
Sport: Soccer

CONCORD, CA (Dec. 12, 2024) — At a young age, Farley experienced playing several sports, including tennis, soccer, basketball and taekwondo. Since he began playing it at age five, soccer appeared to be the one that stuck.

Bouncing from team to team as a kid, Farley has now settled on Mustang SC as his club team. His main focus, however, lies with CVC varsity soccer. He began his high school soccer career on junior varsity, where he usually did not get any minutes of play during a game. Since he’s a goalkeeper there is only one spot on the field while the other 10 positions offer opportunities for all outfield players on a team.

However, he kept working and by the end of his sophomore season he was the varsity team’s starting goalkeeper. In fact, he started the Ugly Eagles game in the Northern California CIF Division I playoffs against eventual state champions Davis. During his sophomore season he received all-Diablo Athletic League honorable mention and was named first team all-DAL as a junior.

Leadership

Farley’s leadership on the field translates to his role as a team captain where he guides his teammates. Farley and crew hope to advance further this season after losing in the North Coast Section semi-finals the past two seasons.

Coach Guillermo Jara says, “Colin, the protector of the house! He continues to uphold the traditions and creed of our Ugly Soccer program. He has grit and is a team leader on and off the field. I am proud to be his coach.”

Farley’s growth on the field has had a few setbacks with several minor injuries hindering his play. He reflects on his experience as an Ugly Eagle, “Making friends for life, people I can call my brothers, is my favorite part of being an athlete and representing CV.”

In school, he maintains a 4.1 GPA as well as participating in Senior Men and pickleball clubs. Although he is still undecided on a school, Farley is looking forward to playing soccer in college, and he hopes to pursue a degree in either environmental science or finance.

The Pioneer congratulates Colin and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry.

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement, or a great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.

Corinne Jeandheur

Corinne Jeandheur is a senior at Clayton Valley Charter High School.  She runs on the CVCHS cross country team in the fall as well as competing on the track and field team in the spring.  She also plays the piano and bakes in her free time.  Jeandheur is a member of the CVCHS Engineering and Design Academy and concluded her sophomore year with a 4.33 GPA.  She is serving as co-president of the California Scholarship Federation at Clayton Valley Charter this school year and continuing her academic and community involvement in the National Honor Society. She is very pleased to be writing the monthly Athlete Spotlight for the Pioneer.