Q&A with Oceanside Collegiate Academy soccer player Sarah Ligon
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — A Q&A with Sarah Ligon, a soccer player and 9th grader at Oceanside Collegiate Academy.
Sports participated in: Soccer
Years in current sport: 9 years
School: Oceanside Collegiate Academy, US Youth National Team, South Carolina Surf Soccer Club
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
Sarah Ligon: My goal is to play soccer at a Division 1 college and continue working toward playing professionally. I’m passionate about constantly improving my skills, staying disciplined, and pushing myself to reach the next level. Beyond my own career, I want to be a positive role model for young girls, showing them that hard work, dedication, and confidence in themselves can make anyone achieve anything they set their minds to.
Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?
Ligon: I don’t really have a specific pre-game ritual, but there are a few things I like to do before game days. I usually reach out to people I love and enjoy talking to—it helps me relax and feel supported before stepping on the field. Sometimes, I drink pickle juice before a game to stay more energized and prevent cramps. Most importantly, I take a moment to talk to God and thank Him for the opportunity to play the game I love. These small things help me feel grounded, focused, and ready to give my best effort.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Ligon: Being a team member has taught me that no matter what your role is, you can always contribute to the team. Everyone brings something valuable, regardless of their position, personality, or level of talent. It doesn’t matter if you’re the team captain or not, or if you’re the most skilled player. What matters most is your effort, attitude, commitment, and willingness to support your teammates. I bet you’ve heard the saying “there is no I in team” because there truly isn’t. Every person plays a part in the team’s success and failure. That lesson has helped me appreciate the importance of unity and contribution.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Ligon: The best advice I’ve ever received from a coach came from Coach Lewis at Surf Soccer Club. Sometimes when I get frustrated with how I’m playing, I start to feel like I have to prove myself to other people because I feel like I have to show them I’m good enough. Coach Lewis always tells me to take a deep breath, calm down, and reset. He reminds me that I don’t need to prove anything to anyone because I’m already a good player, and that the best version of me shows up when I’m relaxed, confident, and playing with a smile on my face.
What do you love about your sport?
Ligon: What I love most about soccer is that it’s truly a team sport. It brings people together and creates connections that go beyond the game. Through soccer, I’ve had the opportunity to create amazing bonds with players and coaches from different cities, states, and even countries. I love the sense of community and support that comes with being part of a team—everyone pushes each other to improve and celebrates one another’s successes. I can’t picture myself doing a sport that doesn’t involve teamwork. The encouragement, friendships, and shared passion make the game more meaningful to me.
Do you play in college? If not, would you like to?
Ligon: My goal is to play soccer at a Division 1 college and continue working toward playing professionally.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Ligon: The best advice I’ve ever received came from my dad, John Ligon. He told me, “You have 24 hours in a day, and only one or two of those are for soccer. You can goof off and relax for the other 22 or 23 hours, but when it’s time to play, go BEAST MODE. Don’t let anyone take that from you.” That advice changed how I approach the game of soccer. It reminds me that every time I step on the field, it’s my moment to give everything I have. For that one hour, I push my limits, play with intensity, and leave it all out there. It motivates me to stay locked in, knowing that true growth happens when I give my best effort every single time I get the chance. I would like to add a thank-you moment to my parents for everything they’ve done for me—for all their sacrifices and the constant support that’s helped me get to where I am today. Thank you to my friends for always being there, pushing me, and believing in me no matter what. Thank you, South Carolina Surf Soccer Club, for everyone who’s helped me along the way. Thank you for guiding me, challenging me, and helping me grow both on and off the field. Especially thank you to Coach Tam, Coach Lewis, and Coach Chase for making me a better player. Last but not least, I want to thank God for bringing me easy to hard challenges to work through and for never leaving my side, reminding me that there are more challenges in the future!
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