Orange Lutheran senior Ayden Santana has been passionate about soccer from a young age. His decision to attend and play for OLu stems from his dedication to strengthening the program and creating a lasting legacy for future Lancers.
 
"There's something about building up a program that inspired me, and it was something I really wanted to do," says Santana. "Alongside academics, I thought OLu was the best place for me."
 
Santana got his start as a field player and didn't move to the goalkeeper position until middle school. He soon discovered that the goal was where he belonged, and he relies on his exceptional footwork to defend the net with confidence.
 
The Lancers were still in a rebuilding mode during Santana's first year at OLu, but during his sophomore year, the program went on a historic run, earning both CIF-SS and State Regional championships. Now in his senior year, the four-year varsity athlete is focused on leading the team back to the CIF postseason and setting the program up for continued success.
 
"I want to be the best role model I can be for the program," says Santana. "For the young guys, it's most important that they learn and take valuable lessons from every game and keep the tight group that we have right now."
 
As a captain for the Lancers, Santana holds his teammates to high standards. By leading through example, he has helped to foster a team that fully embraces the program's culture and values.
 
"Ayden has been a key figure in our program for all four years," says OLu boys soccer head coach Mike Oseguera. "His leadership and work ethic have been a pivotal piece of our program's rise over his time here. We appreciate his devotion and commitment to our mission, always putting the team first. Ayden has paved the road for future generations to continue our work creating the best environment to share our faith and compete at the highest level in high school athletics."
 
One of Santana's favorite moments in playing OLu soccer was during his sophomore year as the Lancers made program history with CIF section and state regional titles. In the CIF-SS semifinal match, he stepped up during penalty kicks with two big saves to secure the win and a trip to the championship.
 
"The fact that I got to make the last two saves to win the game was super cool," says Santana. "That was a significant moment because that was when we established we were an uprising program."
 
Away from the soccer field, Santana serves as co-president of Engage at OLu, a student-led mentoring program that helps transfer students adjust to life as a Lancer.
 
"One of my favorite things about being here is the Engage program," says Santana. "It helps me build my character and my leadership."
 
After graduation, Santana would like to attend the Unites States Naval Academy and possibly study finance and economics. In addition to his goalkeeping skills, Santana is a 4.5 star kicker and hopes to walk on at Navy's football program.
 
"I've always been really passionate about my country, and the fact that I'd get to serve my country in an officer role and build on my leadership skills is attractive to me," says Santana.
 
As the grandchild of Mexican immigrants, Santana draws significant inspiration from his parents and grandparents, whose influence shape his strong work ethic and guide the next steps in his journey.
 
"Seeing the sacrifices that my family has made, and that I'm a product of that sacrifice…I really want to make them proud," says Santana. "They came into this country with nothing, and now they might potentially be creating a military officer. That's the American dream, and I really want to be a part of it."