Sancho fulfills dream of becoming Caper

Sancho fulfils dream of becoming Caper

Morley credits soccer freshman for 'chasing his dream'

By Corey LeBlanc

Dreams are not always fulfilled, but one of Peter Sancho's has come true.

"I really, really wanted to come here," the Cape Breton University (CBU) freshman says in a phone interview from his campus residence room.

Although his first year as a student-athlete hasn't unfolded as expected – the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) men's soccer season was shelved last fall due to the continuing COVID-19 global pandemic – Sancho is ecstatic about having the opportunity to don Caper orange.

"It was by chance – kind of a miracle," Sancho says of how he connected with CBU head coach Deano Morley.

They met a couple of years ago when the midfielder was representing Team Nova Scotia at nationals in Kamloops, B.C.

"Deano emailed me when I was recovering in the hotel hot tub …" Sancho remembers of the day after Morley saw him play.

The now player-coach combo reconnected when Sancho returned to Dartmouth – where he played the bulk of his club soccer – to attend Newbridge Academy prep school.

"Peter has worked so very hard in chasing his dream and going after what he wants," Morley says, describing his student-athlete's story – and the path to CBU – as a "special one."

He adds he and his staff were compelled when Sancho "knocked on their door" to share his dream of becoming a Caper.

"Peter is so appreciative to have this opportunity, and we are looking forward to his journey," Morley continues.

This long-awaited stop on the CBU campus in Sydney is the latest chapter in an international journey for Sancho, who has also lived in Spain, Vancouver and Puerto Rico.

Born in Halifax, his mother is from Spain and his father hails from Roanoke, Virginia.

"I have three passports," Sancho notes.

He started playing soccer as an eight-year-old while living in Spain.

"I wasn't on a team – it was on the street with my friends in the neighbourhood," Sancho remembers.

He adds, "I loved it," in reflecting on the genesis of his passion for the game.

Considering his global roots and citizenship, Sancho also explored post-secondary options in Europe and the United States, including a visit he made while in Grade 11 to the campus of the NCAA powerhouse Clemson Tigers.

 "They set such a high standard, and I wanted to play with the best," he says of his tour of the South Carolina school.

But, when all was said and done, Sancho decided he wanted to take the university pitch north of the border.

"I knew it was the best school in Canada," Sancho says of turning his attention to CBU – exclusively – a couple of years ago.

As for what he hopes to bring to the field for the Capers, he explains he is "an attacking player" that is "always moving."

"I always want the ball," Sancho adds.

Although he is understandably disappointed he wasn't able to show his on-field skills this season, he says he has been making the best of the unprecedented situation, including focusing on academics and keeping in shape.

"I have been trying to keep my head down," the Bachelor of Arts student, who is majoring in environmental engineering and public health, adds.

In the lead-up to his first training camp in August – and at every opportunity throughout his Caper career – he says he is going to work tirelessly to earn his time in the line-up.

Noting his passion for and dedication to becoming a Caper, Morley says "those are the sort of people that you want to work with."

"It is going to be great to watch him develop – both academically and athletically," he adds.

After his time at CBU, Morley will focus on being drafted and playing professionally.

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