Sato Develops into Scoring Leader for Willamette Men's Soccer Team

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications:

SALEM, Ore. -- Ryan Sato (Jr., M, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) enters his third season at Willamette University following two solid years as a first-year player and a sophomore. He has played in a total of 37 games for the men's soccer team, including all 19 games in 2019. He has made 22 starts. He was chosen First Team All-Northwest Conference last season.

Sato led Willamette with 19 total points last fall while helping the Bearcats attain an 11-4-4 overall record and an 8-4-2 mark (3rd place) in the NWC. He tied for Willamette's team lead with six goals and also tied for first with seven assists. He was named First Team All-NWC.

He took 44 total shots and placed 21 shots on goal. He registered two game-winning goals in victories over Northwest Christian University and Pacific University.

In 2018, he scored one goal and four assists for six total points. Willamette went 11-4-4 for the season and 8-3-3 in the NWC. Sato's career totals over two seasons are seven goals and 11 assists (25 points). He has taken 57 total shots, including 27 shots on goal.

"I am really pleased with Ryan's growth on the field as a strong attacking threat and his development in being a leader among the squad," Willamette Head Coach Jared Rust said.

Prior to attending Willamette, Sato played soccer at Homestead High School in California, where he served as a junior varsity captain as a sophomore and was a varsity captain as a senior. He also competed for his club team, MVLA (Mountain View, Los Altos) in the Bay Area. He was named First Team All-Conference two times and was chosen Offensive MVP twice. He received a Green and White Award for being a top performer in Japanese classes. He was selected as a Scholar-Athlete all four years.

At Willamette, he is one of three team captains on the men's soccer team this season. He's also busy when he's not on the field.

"I'm pursuing a degree in Exercise and Health Science, a minor in Psychology, and a career in physical therapy," Sato said. "I planned to study abroad in Thailand this past summer for two weeks, but COVID-19 prevented that. I'm looking to reschedule and go this upcoming summer."

Like many Willamette student-athletes, Sato also has been involved in community service.

"I have volunteered with CityTeam in San Jose to help underprivileged families during the holidays," Sato commented. "I have worked at three summer camps." Two of the camps were general sports camps, and one was a soccer camp where he worked in 2018 and 2019. The soccer camp allowed him to teach younger athletes about the skills he has learned and developed in high school and college.