Sussex to East Stroudsburg University
Olivia Hudson has committed to playing for East Stroudsburg University for her next two years of collegiate soccer. Hudson had a terrific career at Sussex. When asked about her time spent playing for Sussex, she said "Playing at Sussex has been an honor. It's hard to come up with the right words to express how I have enjoyed playing at SCCC because it has been a life changing experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 2 years at Sussex, which is down to many different reasons. The people I have met through the soccer program, players and coaches, are all incredible and made me feel part of a family before I even came over to the States."
Hudson has certainly left her legacy behind for others to follow at Sussex. A team captain who led by example on and off the field, Hudson said, "I feel like I have shown a drive towards a bigger goal of not only winning the region, but also transferring and playing at a division 2 school. I hope to have shown that Sussex and the people who play at Sussex can compete against harder teams and are capable of more than we are given credit for. I hope to have shown that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves and the end goal is to advance ourselves and drive for competing at the next level. Many people at Sussex that I know, or have played alongside of, have transferred and shown that drive and I hope that this shows players coming in that they can compete against harder teams and strive to become the best and move on in order to continue to pave the way for players after them to follow as well."
Coach Vernacchio had plenty to say about Hudson and added "I am blessed to have coached Liv these past two years. From this quiet person I first met to who I see today is amazing. She has a bright future ahead of her and I am very proud of her. She pushes herself each day, whether in the classroom or on the field not just for herself, but for others to see what is expected. That I am very grateful for. We have a lot of players who come through our program that do well and some will take that a step further. Liv is one of those who has taken an opportunity a step further to prove to others they can do it as well. I am excited for the next chapter in Liv's life and I know ESU will be lucky to have her."
When asking Hudson about her next chapter, she said, "I am most looking forward to experiencing a new college and new environment. It will be different being at a larger college and a new team, but I am excited for the challenge. This goes along with continuing my studies and getting my Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. I am also looking forward to seeing Sussex win the National Championship next season and seeing the program develop further."
On behalf of the Sussex soccer program and the entire athletic department, we want to wish Liv the best of luck on her upcoming season and all of her future endeavors.