Women's Soccer Player Heaven Garcia Signs with Knox College
Garcia, who graduated with honors and earned an associate degree this spring, is the first player from the 2019 roster to sign with a four-year program.
Story and photo by Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director
College of the Canyons women's soccer player Heaven Garcia has signed with Knox College, mere weeks after graduating with honors and earning her associate degree.
Knox College is an NCAA Division III program located in Galesburg, Illinois. The Prairie Fire compete in the Midwest Conference.
As a freshman in 2019, Garcia appeared in 17 games at defender, logging two starts and helping to form a backline rotation that was key to the team's success that season.
COC finished the regular season 12-5-4 overall with a record of 9-2-3 in conference play to finish third in the Western State Conference (WSC), South Division. Citrus won the conference with 36 points followed by Santa Monica (34) and Canyons (30).
"We are all very excited for Heaven. She is an extremely hard worker and incredible teammate, and will definitely be missed be our program," said COC head coach Justin Lundin. "I cannot wait to hear about her continued success as a student-athlete at Knox College."
Garcia did not have an opportunity to play her sophomore campaign at Canyons, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic forced colleges and universities across the state to cancel athletic competition due to health and safety concerns.
However, she continued to attend classes and train on her own with the hopes of continuing her athletic career at the four-year level.
"I can do all things through Christ who give me strength," said Garcia, quoting the Bible verse Philippians 4:13 while reflecting on her journey.
Garcia is the first player from the 2019 women's soccer roster to sign with a four-year program. Since 2010, more than 30 women's soccer players have transferred from Canyons to continue playing at a four-year school.
"I would like to give a big thanks to God, my family, friends, college faculty, coaching staff, and my teammates, who have all impacted my life in positive ways that allowed me to grow and prepare for this chapter," Garcia said.
"Without these elements I wouldn't be where I'm at today, or the person I am today. I feel very blessed to have such a great community behind me," she added. "Over the last two years I've made great memories and will cherish them forever."
Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.