Chris Pontius

Classroom

Sociology major, Pontius is eligible to graduate from UC Santa Barbara a quarter early and has maintained a steady GPA during his time at UCSB. Plans to pursue a career in some form of soccer after he graduates, either in coaching or running camps. While he has interests in pursuing a business career eventually, Pontius states, “My first priority is to give back what soccer gave me.”

Character

Head Coach Tim Vom Steeg commented, “He’s literally played everywhere on the field and does whatever is needed to help the team.” Teammates trust Pontius’ actions on and off the field, where he is a solid contributor and member of the community. A leader by example, Pontius earned the right to be a Gaucho team captain with his strong work ethic and by providing outstanding leadership.

Community

As a captain, Pontius is in charge of running over 100 free clinics the UCSB soccer team puts on every year. He also heads up the team’s Africa outreach program by coordinating the collection of equipment and gear to send to underprivileged soccer-playing youth in overseas. Chris is also a very visible figurehead for the athletic department, and will make dozens of appearances as a member of UCSB soccer team this year. Outside of UCSB, Pontius has assisted in his former high school’s soccer camps at Yorba Linda’s Servite High and various F3 camps. Chris is also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity for the past two years where he has participated in numerous community service projects including the clean up of a local park and hosting a charitable golf tournament.

Competition

Placed on the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy watch list, Pontius was also placed on the 2008 Preseason Third-Team All-America squad. In 2007, Chris was tabbed the Big West Offensive Player of the Year, and was elected to the Big West First-Team. Overall, he led UCSB in goals scored last season with 11, the highest total by a Gaucho since 2005. Five of those 11 goals were game winners, a conference high for the year in that stat category. Pontius appeared in all 21 of UCSB’s matches last year earning 19 starts. Chris also played an instrumental part on the 2006 National Championship team.