Every year, the San Jose Earthquakes Academy sends numerous players to top universities around the country. Some will go on to play professionally, while others are being put in a position to exceed in other fields.

With the Quakes Academy hitting on all cylinders and Homegrown signings surely coming through in the near future, sjearthquakes.com chats with former members of San Jose’s youth system that are now competing at the collegiate level.

Full name: Amado Lozano

College: University of Pennsylvania

Year: Freshman

Major: Economics

Which Years with the SJEQ Academy: 2013-17

SJEQ: How are you enjoying college so far and what led you to choose the school you’re attending?

AL: I am enjoying my time over here at Penn. I always valued academics highly and getting an Ivy League education while still doing what I love (playing soccer) is what drew me to Penn.

SJEQ: How did playing for the Earthquakes Academy prepare you for the next level?

AL: Playing at Quakes Academy has prepared me well for the next stage. The Academy draws the best players from Northern California, and playing and competing each day there made it normal for me to compete here at Penn for a starting spot or minutes on the field.

SJEQ: Do you still keep in touch with your former coaches and teammates? Do you share experiences and advice with each other?

AL: Of course I do. Those who are a part of the Quakes Academy are family members. I still talk to my boys and check up on how they are doing at college and there will always be a strong connection with all Academy members. Once in a while I'll text Ivan Valencia, CJ Grey, Nico Lemoine, and Dom Peters just to see how they're doing. I also still talk to the older Academy guys like John Austin (Syracuse) who has been a mentor and brother to me throughout my time at San Jose. My Coach Paul Holocher sent all those going to college off with a good luck message and told us about his excitement for us in the upcoming season.

SJEQ: What are your on-field goals for this season and your four years in college?

AL: My on field goal is to make an impact. Impacting the team in a positive manner and making my team better for it. Hopefully in my four years of college I can attain high grades and not get too stressed out about balancing soccer and homework.

SJEQ: What lessons did you learn from the Academy that you still carry with you today?

AL: The biggest thing I learned from the Academy was dedication. I live in Alameda which is about an hour/hour and a half drive to San Jose. We had practice four times a week and games on the weekend. The Academy teaches you that no matter what, you should be dedicated to the things you are a part of. Whether that is on the field or off the field, dedicate your time to something and do it 100% as you get better, everyone around you will also get better.