The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

Rewriting the record books

The athletic department has named men’s soccer player Mark Knight as its athlete of the year for his record-breaking career at City College. Knight tallied 59 goals, the highest total ever, in his two seasons as a Vaquero.

The sophomore striker registered 31 goals this season, leading the Vaqueros to their first Western State Conference title in 8 years with a 13-1 record in conference play.

Knight was born and raised in Woking, England, just outside of London, where he grew up with a passion for soccer.

“My father and I are die-hard Chelsea F.C. fans,” said Knight. “That’s what really got me into the game at a young age.”

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The 5-foot-10-inch, 183 pound-scoring machine attributes much of his success to his father’s coaching and encouragement growing up.

Knight made a trip to the United States to compete in a tournament against different college teams while still in high school, and realized that he wanted to compete in the U.S.

After contacting head soccer coach John Sisterson, Knight knew Santa Barbara was the right fit.

With six other English players on the team, Knight immediately clicked with the Vaquero squad.

“We have great team chemistry. All of our different playing styles mesh really well together,” he said.

Knight netted 28 goals to lead all scorers in California in his freshmen season.

If that wasn’t enough, he came back to score even more goals his sophomore season, leading the Vaqueros to their second-most wins in team history with 20.

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America named him a junior college All-American, and the WSC named him player of the year.

After two incredible seasons, Knight verbally committed to the University of Louisville, where he will become a Cardinal in the fall of 2009.

“It was a great fit for me. They have an excellent program athletically and academically,” he said.

Knight has also excelled in the classroom at City College.

“Mark’s a level-headed kid,” explained Coach Sisterson, whom the WSC named coach of the year. “He’s dedicated on and off the field. That’s really all you can ask for from a student athlete.”

Knight’s knack for goal scoring isn’t pure talent. The All-American has put in countless hours of practice, weight training and commitment to elevate his game.

Contrary to most Santa Barbara college students, Knight refrains from drinking alcohol to stay at the top of his game.

“I want to play professionally,” he said, “That’s my ultimate goal.”

His 59 goals and 142 assists, both all-time records at City College, are just numbers compared to the impact he’s made on the soccer program.

“I loved every minute I was here,” he said. “I wish it was a 4 year program.”

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