Courtesey of Kitsap Pumas
BREMERTON, Wash.--The Kitsap Pumas continued to add to their talented roster with the signing of midfielder Joe Masumiya.
Masumiya, who grew up in Lakewood, California, followed his childhood passion through the youth club ranks with Cerritos Brigade Soccer Club and eventually went on to attend the California State University Bakersfield (CSUB).
While at CSUB Masumyia played a pivotal role for the Roadrunners men's soccer team by consistently adding stability to their midfield. However, Masumiya was also able to use his defensive prowess to turn defense into attack by contributing 8 goals and creating 13 assists throughout his career.
“Playing at Bakersfield was the ideal situation for me” Masumiya recalled. “I had the opportunity to learn from a lot of great players, develop my game and focus on my education.”
His love for Bakersfield showed in his outstanding play that earned him a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) All-Conference honorable mention nomination in 2012 and a WAC Second Team All-Conference nomination in 2013.
After concluding his final season at Bakersfield, Masumiya found himself wanting to continue his soccer career past the collegiate level. Due to the fact that last year's National Finalist Pumas squad featured a couple of ex-CSUB soccer alumni in Chuy Sanchez and Andy Devlin, Masumyia saw fit to try and follow in their footsteps.
“I always loved soccer but when I began playing in college was when I started thinking about playing at the professional level as a more serious option” Masumiya said. “Chuy and Andy always talked so highly of their experience playing for Kitsap and working with Coach Cammy so when my college coach brought up the option to me I immediately jumped at pursuing this opportunity.”
Head Coach of the Pumas Cameron MacDonald also recognizes Masumiya as a player with the skill set to go on to play at the next level like previous Roadrunners Sanchez and Devlin.
“Richie Grant [CSUB Head Coach] and I both share the same philosophy on the game so when he brought Joe to me I had no hesitation in bringing him to the club. In the times I've watched Joe he's always been able to take control of games and I'm sure he'll prove to be a great addition to the squad.”
Sharing Coach MacDonald's enthusiasm Masumiya continued, “I am very excited to start training everyday at a high level, and I believe this experience will really help me to get better as a player. I loved going to school at Bakersfield but it will be really nice to just focus on soccer.”
While Masumiya has proven to be a talented player throughout his collegiate career, he is excited to take that next step toward accomplishing his dreams.
“I am so thankful to the Pumas organization for this opportunity to continue my soccer career and I hope to repay their belief in me by helping to bring back another national title.”
~www.GoRunners.com~
