MORAGA, Calif. (coutresy SMCGaels.com) -- Since arriving at Saint Mary's College just more than four years ago, men's soccer student-athlete Will Kendall could be considered a poster child for transformation.

On track to graduate from SMC with a degree in business administration, he has developed from a brash, somewhat undisciplined freshman into one of the men's soccer program's senior leaders.

Kendall and the Gaels open West Coast Conference play Sunday when they host the University of the Pacific in a 2 p.m. kickoff at Saint Mary's Stadium.  Single match, group and specially priced team ticket packages are available by visiting the tickets link on SMCGaels.com or by calling the SMC Athletic Ticket Office at (925) 631-GoTx (4689) during business hours.

Kendall, a native of Sheffield, England, earned honorable mention all-WCC honors last season as a junior.  Each of his three goals that season were game-winners, including back-to-back deciding scores against Portland and Gonzaga, that helped the Gaels win 12 matches - the most in program history.

While he was achieving success on the field, few people realized Kendall was dealing with a variety of personal issues, including the passing of his father, Kevan, last September from cancer.

"My father battled cancer for two years," said Kendall.  "When my family came over to America to visit, he thought the cancer was gone.  When he got back home, we found out it wasn't.  It was hard to deal with because I'm a bit by myself out here."

After his father passed away, Kendall returned home for the funeral.  Later that season, he scored the game-winner against Gonzaga and pointed to the sky to celebrate with his father's memory clearly on his mind.

"I was so close to crying at that moment," said Kendall.  "My Dad was crazy about my football, maybe even more than I was.  I know he wished he was out there instead of me.

"Every time I step on the pitch, it is for my Dad.  That is the place where I know we can continue our connection.  I can hear his voice in my head, when I make a bad pass or when I do something good.  He is definitely looking over me when I play football."

Kendall arrived in Moraga in the spring of 2012 following a 5,000-mile trek from his native England.  Prior to his career at Saint Mary's, he competed for the youth academy program for well-known Championship side Sheffield Wednesday FC as well as Redford United and Matlock Town FC.

Like most young English players, his priority as a soccer player was to develop into a professional player at an early age.  As he entered college age, he was introduced to Adam Cooper and Saint Mary's and made the decision to come to America, develop his game and receive a quality education.

"When I spoke to Coop, it sounded like a great opportunity," said Kendall.  "When I sat down to talk about it with my Dad it became clear that college was the right choice.  My Dad asked me when I was ever going to get the chance to play football in California and get a great education.  I took the chance, figuring that if I didn't like it or if it wasn't for me I, at least, gave it a shot.

"I definitely don't regret coming to America and I'm very happy about my decision to attend Saint Mary's.  I'm going to earn my business degree, but I still plan to see how far I can go with professional football.  After that, perhaps a career in sports marketing here in America."

In 11 matches this year, Kendall has already equaled his goals total from last season.  He is one of just two players on the team to start all 11 matches (along with Ben Braman) and regularly plays a variety of different positions on the field, which makes him a valuable asset as Cooper looks for various personnel and tactical advantages.

"I started my football career at center back," said Kendall.  "Then, I moved to left back, left midfield and, later, to forward.  So, I've played all over the field.  I watch a lot of football, when I can.  When I watch football, I don't just watch the game.  I watch how the different players play their positions and how they play their role.  

"Personally, I prefer to play up top as an attacking mid or forward.  Defensively, I wouldn't say I'm the best because I'm so eager to go forward.  I want to score goals and get assists.  But, it definitely helps me as a player to understand each position."

Kendall's transformation over a 4-year span into a senior leader who is on track to graduate this May has impressed those who have witnessed it firsthand - especially SMC head coach Adam Cooper.

"I am unbelievably proud of Will," said Cooper, in his 10th season and the most successful coach in the SMC men's soccer program's history.  "From where he started when he arrived at Saint Mary's to where he is now has been a really positive transformation.  He has changed physically, emotionally and academically.

"Will has had to deal with a lot of issues personally and had to mature at a faster rate that he probably should have.  Being from as far away from home as he is made it even harder for him to deal with life-changing situations, but I could not be prouder of him."

WIth just seven regular-season matches, as well as potential postseason play, left in his college career, Kendall appears motivated and physically able to take advantage of this stage in his career.

"I really feel the fire in my belly," said Kendall.  "It is all coming to an end, all too soon.  What happened last year really kept my feet on the ground, helping me find me in a way.  

"I also came into this season physically fit.  I need to be fit to play the way I play.  I came back in good shape and I think that has helped me this season."

After being picked second in the WCC's preseason coaches' poll, SMC enters Sunday's league opener with a 3-7-1 overall record.  Pacific comes to Moraga with a 1-9 mark.  All eight WCC teams are looking forward to opening league play and battling for automatic berth into the NCAA tournament.

"We have learned a lot from our non-conference matches and we have a lot of things to improve upon," said Cooper.  "At the end of the day, though, every team in the conference is in the same situation.  When you look at all the teams in the WCC, the regular season championship is really up for grabs.  It is a new season, that's for sure."

Through a cooperative with TheW.tv and Campus Insiders, every Saint Mary's men's soccer game for the remainder of the season will be streamed live in high definition at no charge on a variety of platforms, including smartphones, tablets and computers via GaelVision on SMCGaels.com.  In addition, links to live statistics will be available on the men's soccer Gameday Central and schedule pages.

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