Merrick Cook has committed to play soccer at Cal State Northridge. The Friars’ goalkeeper shared, “I chose CSUN because it is a great school with a nice campus and has the major that I want to study which is criminology.”

He continued, “I liked that the soccer program is Division 1 with a great coaching staff and are known to play great soccer. They also have an amazing facility and a great medical staff that’s always available.”

A three-year varsity letterman for Servite soccer and two-year starter, Cook has amassed over 2,000 minutes in goal throughout his ongoing career earning 19 wins including 12 shutouts. He has also tallied 85 saves at the time of publication with 39 coming his junior year when he earned Trinity League Defensive MVP recognition. In addition, he has helped the team win Trinity League Championships in 2020 and 2021 while also winning the CIF-SS D1 title his sophomore year.

Head Coach Eddie Soto shared, “I’m extremely excited that Merrick is joining such a wonderful program and a great staff. The opportunity to play Division I soccer in the Big West Conference with CSUN is a perfect fit. I’m looking forward to following his progress and development in the years to come. Good luck to Merrick and my congratulations to the entire Cook family!”

Cook is the fourth Friar from the soccer senior class to announce his commitment joining Eddie Villeda (UCSB), Lucas Gimenez (Sac State) and Justin Faison (Sac State).

In closing Cook shared, “First and foremost I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to play soccer. I would also like to thank my parents for their love and support and helping me to become the person I am today. I would also like to thank my club coaches, Eddie Garcia and Alex Gimenez and my high school coach, Eddie Soto for making me the best player that I can be. I would especially like to thank Coach Bob Oseguera for his continued guidance and support these last four years at Servite. None of this could have been possible without the support of my family and coaches.”