What a difference a year makes. On Dec. 3, 2013, Malibu High goalkeeper Seaira Moore suffered a freakish injury during warm-ups prior to a soccer game against Rio Mesa. A broken right thumb forced her to the sidelines for six weeks.
After that setback, Moore played in a handful of Tri-Valley League games before incurring a concussion against Oak Park on Feb. 10, 2014. An opponent’s knee rammed her head during a violent collision, resulting in a momentary blackout and loss of vision.
Moore’s season quickly ended while her teammates continued on to the CIF playoffs. More importantly, the concussion jolted Moore’s future in soccer.
But nearly a year later, Moore has signed a letter of intent to play at Biola University on a soccer and academic scholarship.
“I was concerned, especially when I got my concussion,” Moore, 17, said. “I didn’t know if I would be able to play after that.”
Doubt, frustration, anxiety began to creep in as Moore worried about her potential collegiate soccer career. Fortunately, she was cleared to return to play with her club soccer team, Real SoCal, a few weeks later.
Eleven months have passed by since Moore’s junior season was altered with injuries, and now she has reason to celebrate.
For the three-year varsity starter, committing to play in college was a reward for all the hard work and dedication she had put into soccer since the age of nine.
“After I committed to Biola, I was just relieved. I am really excited to play there,” said Moore, who would like to study kinesiology and become an athletic trainer. “When I went on my visit, I loved the girls there and the coaches too. I knew I would be a good fit there. It’s really meaningful because it’s something I always wanted to do since my freshman year.”
Malibu coach Jack Craig encouraged Moore to visit Biola University during the fall. After visiting the campus, Moore ultimately chose Biola over the Naval Academy, Cal Lutheran University, Willamette University and UC Merced.
“Seaira is a quiet leader who leads by example. She does the right thing in every situation, showing a love for family, God, displays integrity, accountability, confidence and commitment in all decisions,” Craig said. “Seaira is a person that other young people should emulate — a hard worker with a positive attitude and respect for everyone. She is an amazing young woman and athlete.”
With her college future determined, Moore can focus on Tri-Valley League action which begins on January 14 for Malibu. As goalkeeper for the Sharks, Moore embraces the challenge of the demanding position and also being a team captain.
“Playing goalie has built confidence in me and taught me how to be humble,” Moore said. “It’s a position where you have to be a leader by organizing and communicating with everyone. You have to be the one that everyone can count on.”
Despite playing in only 11 games a year ago, Moore registered nine shutouts and 111 saves. This season, Moore has recorded two shutouts to go along with 87 saves through seven games. She currently ranks No. 2 in goals against and No. 1 in saves for the 12-team Tri- County Athletic Association.
“On the field, Seaira displays a quiet confidence that puts her team, especially the defense, at ease in every match,” Craig said. “Technically and tactically, she is one of the best keepers I have had the pleasure to coach in my 18 years of coaching girls soccer.
“Seaira has played a key part in my two years as head coach in turning the MHS program around. Her belief and support in me as a coach to bring positive to the girls soccer program was a blessing.”
Malibu (1-4-2) has played an extremely tough schedule as they begin to prepare for league. Pursuing a league title and making the CIF playoffs would cap off a stellar high school career for Moore.
“I hope to lead my team to a league title and go to the CIF playoffs,” Moore said. “I have never had the chance to experience playing in a CIF game, so that would mean a lot.”