Congrats to Summer Snider on winning our October 2023 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Summer plays as an outside midfielder for our Rapids 05G Fort Collins White team, where her teammates and coaches know her as a leader who has a never-quit attitude. On the field, Summer has a high soccer IQ, sharing her knowledge with her teammates while actively encouraging them to push their limits and seek improvement. During the 2023 Rapids Classic Tournament, Summer sustained a shoulder injury that kept her sidelined in the 3rd of 4 games in their bracket. Despite this, Summer rallied her team back in the last game of the tournament, ultimately winning their division. Off the field, Summer assists with managing her family’s local coffee shop and is a host-volunteer for student-led community after-hours. At school, Summer is in the National Honor Society and is an International Baccalaureate student. She maintains a 3.8 GPA.
This November, Summer will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We spoke with Summer to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!
What influence has soccer had in your life?
Ever since I was young, soccer has been much more than an after school hobby. It is a component in my life that has brought me opportunities to grow and learn from my mistakes. Every practice and game allows for a lesson, whether that’s as a player or a person. It has built a community in which I have found some of my best friends and bettered myself. I have grown to be more outgoing, patient, and motivated through soccer.
Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?
I believe I was nominated for this award because I have been apart of the Rapids Youth Soccer Club for many years and exceed in academics.
What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?
The Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club is an enriched community. Although I have bias because I have never played for another club besides the Rapids, this club has allowed me to meet strong, loving teammates and determined coaches. The Rapids Classic Friendlies are also what I greatly enjoy about the club, because we all get together to reach a common goal, get better and have fun doing it. Overall the Rapids Club is welcoming to all youth groups and players. Some examples of this was seeing all the little kids in costumes running around playing soccer and all players wearing their charity shirts together!
What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?
Last year my team won our division, and this is one of the proudest accomplishments I have. It almost complies all of our hard work to one title. Showing up to every practice and preforming together in every game. Soccer is a team sport, and the accomplishments I have from soccer comes from the other girls on any of the teams I have been on who have supported and encouraged me no matter the circumstances.
What academic achievement are you most proud of?
Academically, I am most proud of the recognition I have received from teachers to help others. In explanation, I am part of the IB diploma program at Poudre High School and had been recruited to speak to underclassmen IB students on past projects. This allowed me to take past project achievements and provide for others through public speaking and interviews.
How do you think your teammates would describe you?
I believe my teammates would describe me as an encouraged leader. My teammates have always been there for me, and in return I put in effort to support them.
What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?
Every game I motivate myself to compliment each of my teammates, and at least one compliment per day to any of my peers off the field. This could be that they hustled back when needed, had good sportsmanship, or did their hair a cool way! This raises my awareness of other people’s hard work and overall makes me feel better.
What’s your favorite soccer player and team?
My favorite soccer team has to be the US Women’s National Team, because of their team chemistry.
What do you hope to pursue in the near future?
I hope to pursue a life that brings me happiness through being active and helping others!
Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!
I am very grateful to have many inspirations in my life, from family members to friends to even celebrities. It is constant that people around me in the moment are my biggest inspirations. Then I can get live feedback and motivation to preform to my best.
What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?
Outside of playing for CRYSC I enjoy hiking, spending time with friends, making jewelry, dancing with friends and family, photography, running, listening to music, and walking my dogs!
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.