GOALKEEPER WELLS EXCELS BY THE BOOK BRUINS' WELLS SAYS READING THE GAME HELPS THE DEFENSE.Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer A few years ago, Zach Wells Zach Wells (born Zachary Stephen Wells on February 26, 1981 in Costa Mesa, California) is an American soccer goalkeeper, who currently plays for Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer. received a rejection letter A rejection letter is a form of communication, print or otherwise, indicating the refusal of assent (viz: rejection) of a recommended course. There are numerous types and subtypes of rejection letters. for admission to UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX . That same day, he received a letter from the soccer program and was offered a scholarship. Wells was a little confused, so he called UCLA just to make sure his future as a Bruin was secure. Four years later, his acceptance has worked out for both the soccer program and the school. He is the senior goalkeeper for the top-ranked Bruins (18-1-1), who begin defense of their national title today. On Monday, Wells was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America second team, becoming just the second Bruins soccer player to earn that honor. Wells, an American literature American literature, literature in English produced in what is now the United States of America. Colonial Literature American writing began with the work of English adventurers and colonists in the New World chiefly for the benefit of readers in and culture major, reads about two novels a week. But he gets as much fulfillment from his studies as he does playing the role of UCLA's stingy stin·gy adj. stin·gi·er, stin·gi·est 1. Giving or spending reluctantly. 2. Scanty or meager: a stingy meal; stingy with details about the past. goalkeeper. ``I see it as an entertainment, really, we get to read novels, which are really just another form of story-telling, which is just like watching movies or listening to music,'' Wells said. ``It's another creative art I appreciate. It just kind of happened.'' Wells participated in graduation ceremonies in June and has just one class this quarter before he earns his degree. He's definitely made a mark at UCLA, for his ever-changing hairstyles (he once dyed his hair black, with the exception of a blond stripe stripe - data striping down the middle), studious stu·di·ous adj. 1. a. Given to diligent study: a quiet, studious child. b. Conducive to study. 2. reputation and sterling defense. ``He's different,'' UCLA soccer coach Tom Fitzgerald Tom Fitzgerald can refer to:
What hasn't changed is his reputation as one of the country's top goalkeepers. Wells is ranked second in the country with a .390 goals-against average, and he has 10 shutouts. He's allowed only seven goals in 1,627 minutes this season. ``I haven't been too busy with actual shots on goal,'' Wells said. ``I guess it could be attributed to our team defense. Personally, I think it's just communicating with the defense, reading the game and preventing opportunities more than actual shot-stopping. Lately, our best defense has been our offense and creates everything. I think that takes the spark out of some teams and makes my job easier as well.'' Wells, who also doubles as a surfer during the summer, hopes he can latch onto a job in the MLS See multilevel security. next year. UCLA has a history of churning out top-notch goalies that have gone to the next level, but Wells isn't banking on it. He wouldn't mind working for a surfing publication. UCLA is favored to win the national title for the second consecutive season, and the Bruins could play Cal State Northridge this weekend if both teams win today's first-round games. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: UCLA senior goalkeeper Zach Wells has soared in the classroom and on the field, earning academic All-American honors for the No. 1 Bruins. Daily News |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion