At the heart of Eden N.’s life are two unwavering constants: family and soccer. When she’s not showcasing her footwork on the field, Eden is masterfully balancing her rigorous training schedule with her academic pursuits at Visions In Education.
Nine years ago, Eden and her family decided to enroll in Visions and never looked back. Eden, now a University Prep Academy student, expresses that the school has helped support her while chasing her dreams of playing soccer at the next level.
“Visions provided me with flexibility, support from the teachers, the opportunity to dual enroll, move at a personal pace, and funds for electives,” said Eden.
Following her graduation from Visions, Eden will continue both her education and soccer career at Colorado State University, where she plans to study business and finance. As she prepares to embrace new challenges, Eden acknowledges her greatest inspiration.
“My greatest inspiration is my mom. She is a woman of great character, resilience, and compassion, and I hope I can become more like her as I get older,” said Eden.
Eden’s mom expresses that she would recommend Visions to other student-athletes, emphasizing the ability to explore multiple commitments simultaneously.
“I am grateful for my Credentialed Teachers (Kellie Schaub and Andy Vanden Akker) who helped me navigate/balance academics and personal life. Visions has allowed my daughter to pursue her many goals and hobbies. She was able to maintain high academics, train for competitive soccer, use funds to explore different hobbies, dual enroll in the local junior colleges, and give her the flexibility to intern/work. She couldn’t have been this well-rounded in a traditional setting.” – Shanel, Eden’s mother.
When asked what advice she would offer to other student-athletes, Eden acknowledges that determination naturally fluctuates, but emphasizes the importance of staying connected to your original motivation.
“The only person who can hold [you] back is [yourself] when you lack confidence and work ethic. Nobody can tell you who you can be or what you are capable of, only you can determine that. Confidence comes from within, and trust that if you put in the work you need to, nothing can stop you,” said Eden.
Eden’s Advisory teacher since 2022, Andy Vanden Akker, highlights her exceptional academic performance, maintaining a 4.35 GPA while also participating in the California Scholarship Federation.
Beyond academics and athletics, Eden demonstrates a deep commitment to community service, working part-time at a local bakery and serving on the leadership team for the Sutter Creek Church of Nazarene Youth Group for four years.
“Eden demonstrates her commitment to community engagement. It has been an absolute pleasure being Eden’s Advisory teacher over the past three school years,” Vanden Akker said.
Eden’s counselor, Julie Winalski, spoke to her determination to take advantage of the flexibility that Visions offers. “She pursued a rigorous college preparatory path, meeting A-G and NCAA eligibility requirements. In addition to her high school coursework, Eden completed eight dual enrollment classes through Los Medanos College and Sierra College.”
Eden’s offer of early commitment to Colorado State is a testament to her hard work and dedication to early academic and athletic success.
As Eden prepares for the next chapter of her journey, Winalski offers these words of encouragement: “Eden, continue to trust in your work ethic and stay grounded in your goals—your dedication, focus, and resilience have already taken you far. Keep embracing challenges as opportunities to grow, and stay true to the passion and drive that have guided you so well. You have everything it takes to thrive, both on and off the field.”
