Rohnert Park, Calif. - Sonoma State University's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to recognize and congratulate yet another student-athlete alum continuing their athletic career after their time at SSU. Men's soccer alumnus and 2018 graduate Mitch North has signed with NISA member Cal United Strikers this past winter, and the club started its spring schedule in April. The club's home opener is set for May 2nd against Chattanooga FC.  

North was a vocal and dominant presence for the Seawolves during his four-year career. After graduating from SSU, North continued his playing career via multiple avenues. North had a brief stint, right after graduation, with United Soccer League (USL) member Orange County Soccer Club, and then went overseas to Germany to only have the season canceled due to the pandemic. North returned home and continued his pursuit of extending his playing career. With nothing to lose, North went out to an open tryout for NISA (National Independent Soccer Association) member Cal United Strikers. With well over 100 players at the tryout, the club only signed two, and SSU's very own Mitch North was one of them.

Mitch North is from Ashland, Oregon, where he attended South Medford High School. During his senior year at South Medford, he decided to leave his high school team and join the Portland Timbers academy team. Receiving more looks and greater recognition belonging to a major youth academy, Pac12 member Oregon State considered North as a hometown commit and joined the Beavers' program in the Fall of 2013. North would go on to redshirt with the Beavers, and after spending a year with the program, he was ready to make an immediate impact with another university. SSU's men's soccer head coach, Marcus Ziemer, has had a foothold in the Pacific Northwest area for several years, and the fit seemed perfect for the Ashland native. Despite seeing action in just two games during the 2014 season, North would make 19 starts to solidify himself as the team's number one keeper for SSU. North tallied over 1,700 minutes played, made 90 saves, and recorded six shutouts with a record of 10-7-2 in the net.

The 2016 season was arguably the most successful season for North and his team as the Seawolves would finish second in league play, second in the CCAA Tournament, and qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010. North was a staple between the pipes for Sonoma State, recording 66 saves, a career-high seven shutouts in 20 starts, and receiving honorable mention recognition in the CCAA. North would finish his SSU career with a staggering 5,194 minutes played, 244 saves, 16 shutouts, and an overall record in goal of 27-20-9. Reflecting on some of his most memorable moments as a Sonoma State Seawolf and with the SSU men's soccer program North said, "In my third season we beat Pomona at home and I remember crying after that game, feeling so overwhelmed with joy that we had beaten such a strong team for the first time. That year we made the CCAA final and the NCAA tournament, two achievements I hold dearly to this day. Unfortunately, we lost in the CCAA final and in the first round of the NCAA to that same Pomona team, but I will never forget the heart we showed that season."

"Probably the biggest win that year besides the Pomona game was our win against Cal State LA. I remember giving an emotional speech before the game, and the boys rallied and showed a lot of fight to win that game in overtime," said North.

North was well known for his vocal presence and leadership on and off the field. His teammates looked up to him in every way possible, and his intensity and commitment to the game was one of a kind. Head coach Marcus Ziemer said this about North's leadership abilities and what he meant to the team and the program. "Mitch had a great career with us. His coach growing up was a former SSU keeper, Dave Kaufman, so he was well prepared and already had a connection with Sonoma State. It doesn't surprise me that Mitch has stuck with it and become a professional. He always had a great mentality and worked hard to reach his potential. He was a tremendous leader for us and truly a one-of-a-kind player. We are all very proud of him and can't wait to see him develop with Strikers".  

Like all athletes, parents are amongst their biggest supporters, and North feels as though he would never have gotten to where he is today without their dedication and love. "Thank you especially to my parents for putting up with me, my dad for coaching me and being my biggest fan, and my mom for driving me to endless games and tournaments and always making me believe in myself. I will never forget the amazing friendships I forged at Sonoma State and all the hard-fought battles". 

"I'm so grateful to Marcus Ziemer for taking a chance on me. It's funny how life works, my high school coach Dave Kaufman played at Sonoma State back in the day, so this school was always on my radar. When things didn't work out at Oregon State, I was so thankful that Sonoma State gave me a chance, and it really felt like destiny".

North now joins the NISA member, Cal United Strikers, as they prepare for the 2021 Spring season. "Mitch is a great communicator," said Strikers goalkeeper coach Ludovic Antunes. "He is very demanding and is good technically with strong reflexes and feet. We are excited to have him join the squad".

"Throughout this time, I kept training and working on my game, hoping I would be able to get back to Europe, but the borders never reopened. On a whim, I went to a Cal United open tryout with over 100 players, and they signed just two players, me being one of them. I am so thankful to this club for giving me a shot and feel so lucky to be getting paid to do what I love in my own country. I'm most excited to see where things go from here and what opportunities come next," said North.

With all of the hardships and ups and downs Mitch North has dealt with throughout his journey, he leaves us with one bit of advice: never stop working. "For every person that is trying to do it, there is another person quitting right when they are about to make their breakthrough. You never know who is watching during a game or a training session, and if you just keep going and working at it, you will get your shot". 

We thank Sonoma State men's soccer alumnus Mitch North for taking the time to answer some questions and allow us to congratulate him on his success and commitment to Cal United Strikers. On behalf of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Sonoma State, we thank you for representing the SSU community and #NomaNation.

Good luck to Mitch North and Cal United Strikers on their upcoming season. Check out the link below for the team's full spring schedule. 

2021 Cal United Strikers Schedule