Pacific FC Youth is proud to celebrate a major milestone for Callie Turpin, a member of Pacific FC Youth 2008 Girls team, who has earned both athletic and academic scholarships to play NCAA Division I soccer at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Turpin officially committed to the Peacocks in early November after carefully weighing her options, then capped the moment with an on-campus visit later that month. “I was very excited,” she shared. “Saint Peter’s is in Jersey City, only about 20 minutes from New York City, so I got to see New York lit up for Christmas as well. It was perfect timing.”
For Turpin, the opportunity represents the realization of a long-held dream. “It really means everything to me,” she said. “I’ve had the dream of playing NCAA Division I soccer since I was little and started my goalkeeping training around 10 years old. To have it coming true is incredibly exciting.”
Looking back at her development, Turpin credits her time with Pacific FC Youth as a key step in reaching the next level. “My time with PFC really helped me rise as an athlete and pushed me to grow,” she explained. “PFC also recommended me to Team BC, which helped me gain more exposure and provided additional training and experiences, including competing at the Canada Games this past summer.”
Along the way, there were memories that will last well beyond the final whistle. From road trips to lifting the Arizona Super Cup, Turpin says the shared experiences with her teammates were just as impactful as the results. “I’ll always be thankful for my teammates and the memories we made together.”
She now describes herself as a technical goalkeeper with strong shot-stopping ability and quick reflexes. Years of specialized training with Keeper Culture, both through Pacific FC and independently, have helped shape her game and prepare her for the demands of the collegiate level.
Earning an academic scholarship alongside her athletic commitment speaks to Turpin’s dedication off the field. Balancing elite sports with academics wasn’t always easy, but it was non-negotiable. “I knew keeping my grades high would increase my chances of going NCAA,” she said. “That meant late nights studying, doing homework on the ferry, and making sure I was caught up after sports trips. Keeping a 4.0 GPA was a lot of work, but knowing it would help my dream come true was very motivating.”
As she prepares for the next chapter, Turpin is eager to immerse herself in the Saint Peter’s soccer environment. “I’m most excited to meet my teammates,” she said. “Getting to know everyone, travelling together, and testing myself against other high-level teams is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Off the field, she plans to pursue a business degree, with aspirations of one day opening her own business. On the pitch, the focus is continued growth. “I want to push myself and move out of my comfort zone. Working with new teammates and coaches means there’s always something new to learn.”
For younger players in the Pacific FC Youth program who dream of following a similar path, Turpin keeps her advice simple and honest. “It’s okay to make mistakes and to not feel great after a tough game, you just can’t live there,” she said. “You can accept it, learn from it, maybe let yourself feel bad that day, but the next day you move on.” She also emphasizes the importance of mindset. “Positive self-talk is huge. When you walk onto the field, say when we win, not if we win. Training your brain is just as important as training your body.”
Pacific FC Youth congratulates Callie on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to following her continued success at Saint Peter’s University and beyond.