« Men’s Soccer 2013

Mackenzie Pridham

School
Cal Poly
Position
Forward
Major
Business Administration
G
14
A
3
PTS
31

Classroom

Pridham is a business administration major who, for his senior project, helped in the production of the eduffi app, a skill development platform that uses cloud computing to compile documents, videos, voice notes, pictures and other data to assist athlete training and coaching. He is working with a friend to start company that would improve fish distribution in Alaska by bringing fresh products directly to the consumer. His outside interests include surfing, skiing and snowboarding. He is a member of the Cal Poly club surf team who “saves every penny” in order to travel to exotic places (i.e., Indonesia, Mexico) to experience new cultures and assist in volunteer work and is competent in Spanish.

Character

Pridham was nominated captain for this season. He overcame ankle surgery following freshman season to become 2012 Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Year From Pridham: “my accomplishments have allowed me to contribute to the success of others on our team, at the university, in the community and with family and friends. I realize that engaging those around me helps elevate their capabilities. I have, in turn, elevated my own capabilities and the abilities to contribute even more to my team, classmates and the community. Soccer is a team sport and without the team operating as a unit and at the highest levels, I wouldn’t have been able to do my job, which is to put the ball in the net.”

Community

At Cal Poly, Pridham is involved with team’s Student of the Game outreach program, where student-athletes visit local schools and provide free clinics, in addition to giving presentations that emphasize sportsmanship, educational responsibility and healthy lifestyle choices. At Bellarmine College Prep (San Jose, Calif.), he volunteered time with Special Olympics helping to run soccer clinics; at an elderly care facility assisting with patient social interaction and at a shelter, helping with food drives and distribution He helped with youth clinics in hometown of Santa Cruz, Calif. and also assisted with surf clinics while at Cal Poly, teaching young children safety and technique.

Competition

As a junior in 2012, Pridham was named Big West Offensive Player of the Year and to the NSCAA All-Far West Region third team and All-Big West first team after finishing second among conference players in goals (11), goals per game (0.58), points (23) and points per game (1.21) and fourth in shot attempts (59). 11 goals last year ranked as the third-highest single season total in program history while 23 points ranked fourth. Started all 19 matches in 2012 and scored six game-winning goals Named to 2013 Hermann Trophy Watch List in August and spent summer prior to senior season training with Major League Soccer club Toronto FC. Is a former under-20 call-up for Canada National Team. From head coach Paul Holocher: “Mackenzie has progressed well over the last two years. He’s a true striker who lives for scoring goals. He’s at his best in the box, has great strength, tight control and an excellent shot with both feet. He has intelligent movement without the ball and works hard defensively. He’s extremely motivated to play at the next level and whoever calls on him will have a hard-working player that will find ways to produce goals.”