Judah Soccer Strikes a Goal: 3 Seniors Honored

Noah Aldridge

Thomas Stroud

What does it mean to use our God-given talents to the best of our ability?

Every year, coaches from the East Central Illinois Conference (ECIC) cast votes on who they think are the most valuable players on the opposing teams. The players who seem to use their talents to the best of their ability make the all-conference team. This year, Judah seniors Noah Aldridge and Thomas Stroud made the ECIC all-conference soccer team. Judah senior Braydon Mora received an honorable mention.

Judah Newsroom interviewed each of these soccer seniors and asked how they get the most out of their soccer skills. Here are their responses.

Thomas and Noah, how long have you played soccer?

Thomas: “I started playing soccer sophomore year. It was my first time ever playing the game. I started because upperclassmen asked me to play, because we wouldn’t have a team unless we had more players. But I really fell in love with the game and continued pursuing it and getting better at it.”

Noah: “I’ve been playing soccer since I was six years old. Soccer has always been a big part of my family’s life. We used to go to professional games when I was younger, and I just fell in love with it at a really young age.”

What positions do you each play?

Thomas: “My whole Judah career, I’ve played any position the team needed me to play. But the striker position has been my favorite. I played it for Illinois Futbol Club (IFC), and it’s what I’ve been trained to do.”

Noah: “For Judah, I played center mid all four years. For club, I played left back.”

What are your soccer strengths?

Thomas: “One of my strengths is being physical, because at the beginning of my soccer career, I wasn’t the most technical player. But I was able to be more physical and faster than other people. As I started incorporating more technical ability into my game, I have seen myself grow as a player.”

Noah: “I think my footwork skills and my technical ability. As I got older, I worked on my strength in bodying people off the ball. I think my passing and distribution are good too.”

How has God made an impact on your high school soccer career?

Thomas: “As my relationship with God has grown, instead of getting angry while playing and taking it out on my teammates and people I’m playing against, I’ve learned that winning isn’t the actual goal.”

Noah: “I feel like my career hasn’t been all about winning, because we obviously haven’t been the greatest team for the past four years of soccer here at Judah. But it’s taught me to not just think about winning; it’s taught me to enjoy being in fellowship with others and to create long-lasting relationships.”

Braydon Mora

Braydon, what position do you play?

Braydon: “Through the years I’ve played soccer, I’ve been a striker and a goalie.”

How does it feel to receive an honorable mention from the ECIC?

Braydon: “Honestly, I’m not sure. Soccer was something I started playing for fun. So it’s cool to know that I have the ability to play it at a pretty good level.” 

How has God shaped you during this soccer season?

Braydon: “This season taught me that I can do more than I think. It taught me not to doubt myself or to limit myself. I just go out there, have fun, and try not to get wound up in the wins and losses.”

What other valuable lessons have you learned playing soccer?

Braydon: “I feel like I’ve learned to just try to be the best teammate I can be. Also, being willing to do whatever is needed of me. This year, I got put into being a goalie really quick.”

Do you do any specific things before a soccer match?

Braydon: “Before every game, I ask Noah if I can get a ride.”

Do you have any advice for balancing faith and playing a sport?

Braydon: “Just put your trust in the Lord. Don’t get wrapped up in the wins and losses, because at the end of the day, that stuff isn’t going to matter. What will matter is your relationship with God.”

—James Griffiths, class of ’26