Introducing Abby Herren & Amir Anwary: NorCal’s Fall College Showcase All-Star Game Player of the Matches
For the past three years, a highlight of NorCal’s Fall College Showcase has become the All-Star Game, where players from NorCal’s ECNL-RL and NPL leagues are chosen to play against each other under the lights in front of college scouts and coaches. For the first time, NorCal named a Player of the Match for both the Girls and Boys games at this November’s Fall Showcase–voted on by both coaches and NorCal PDP staff.
A huge congrats to the two players to earn Player of the Match honors–from the Girls All-Star game, Abby Herren of Albion SC Central Valley; and from the Boys All-Star Game, Amir Anwary of Livermore Fusion. Amidst a lineup of elite players, Amir and Abby separated themselves with exceptional athleticism, skill, and leadership on the field–plus an excellent goal from each of them.
After their standout performances, we had the opportunity to connect with Amir and Abby for a quick Q&A to gain insight into their background, mindset, and future goals.
PLAYER Q&A: MEET ABBY HERREN
- What’s your name, position, and club?
- ABBY: Abigail Herren, I usually play the 10 but I also play wing, wingback, and anywhere in the mid. I play at Albion SC Central Valley.
- Tell us about your background with soccer–when did you start to where you are now…
- ABBY: I started in a rec league when I was 7 and my rec coach after my first season recommended comp ball for me. So the next year I started at Cencal Cosmos now known as Albion SC Central Valley and played there ever since. I also started private training when I was 11 and still train with the same trainer to this day.
- What was it like to play in the All-Star game?
- ABBY: I was very stressed about playing in the All Star game beforehand but when I stepped on the field I was exhilarated. It was so fun to play alongside such talented players. The energy and competitiveness on the field was so high. I enjoyed it a lot.
- What’s the best piece of coaching advice you’ve been given?
- ABBY: I once had a coach tell me to not let anyone tell you, you can’t do it, not even me. This was so impactful to me because it highlights how important it is to be confident in yourself instead of needing validation from others to be confident in your play.
- What lessons from soccer do you plan to carry with you into your next chapter?
- ABBY: As someone who worried a lot about making mistakes and played overly cautious, you should be focusing on what you can do to help your team win instead of trying to get through it mistake free. I also learned the importance of perseverance and loyalty through my soccer career.
- What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in your game from when you first started playing to now?
- ABBY: I play with a lot more confidence than I used to. I take a lot more shots on goal and risks. My leadership skills have gotten better and I demand as well as want the ball more.
- What advice would you give to your younger self?
- ABBY: I would tell my younger self to just enjoy the game and that it’s okay to make a mistake, it’s a part of the game and that it’s what you do after the mistake that matters. I would also tell my younger self to take more shots on goal.
- Do you plan to continue playing soccer beyond high school?
- ABBY: I am going to play soccer for Fresno State after I graduate from high school and hope to even play after that if possible!
- Looking back on your soccer career so far, what’s been the highlight?
- ABBY: Winning Valleys my freshman year of high school and State Cup in 2024 are two of my biggest highlights.
- What does soccer mean to you?
- ABBY: Soccer is one of my favorite things to do and I spend most of my time doing it because I love it. I love dribbling people and seeing improvement from all my hard work. Soccer is like therapy to me and it’s my happy place.
PLAYER Q&A: GET TO KNOW AMIR ANWARY
- What’s your name, position, and club?
- AMIR: Amir Anwary, Winger, Livermore Fusion
- Tell us about your background with soccer–when did you start to where you are now…
- AMIR: I started playing soccer when I was around 3, I could barely walk but my dad held me while I tried to kick the ball. I haven’t played with many teams other than Livermore Fusion, it’s been my home since the moment I joined. Since the first time I touched the ball the sport has been my life.
- What was it like to play in the All-Star game?
- AMIR: Playing in the all star game was one of the best experiences I’ve had. It was fun, and we all got to show our talent and passion to everyone watching.
- What’s the best piece of coaching advice you’ve been given?
- AMIR: The best piece of coaching advice I’ve ever been given was to be confident and not be afraid to take players on.
- What lessons from soccer do you plan to carry with you into your next chapter?
- AMIR: The lessons I plan to carry into my next chapter of life is to not be afraid to take risks because the biggest rewards come with the greatest risks, and also how I learned how to work with a team of different people with different skills.
- What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in your game from when you first started playing to now?
- AMIR: The biggest change in my game from when I first started playing is now I want and need the ball at my feet. Before I was afraid to make mistakes and now I don’t let them affect me, so I like to be on the ball as much as possible.
- What advice would you give to your younger self?
- AMIR: Advice I would give to my younger self is to keep working hard, don’t quit, and believe in yourself.
- Do you plan to continue playing soccer beyond high school?
- AMIR: Yes, I plan to continue playing after high school
- What does soccer mean to you?
- AMIR: Soccer to me means more than just a game, it’s a main part of my life, and a way to represent my family, friends, and city and make them proud.
