Hudson Torrez (Oneida) signed to play soccer at NCAA DI Marquette University

By Dan Ninham, contributing writer

Hudson Torrez is Oneida. He is a senior at Big Foot High School in Wisconsin and is one of the elite soccer athletes in the country. He signed his national letter of intent to continue his academics and play soccer at NCAA DI Marquette University.

Elite athletes have many accomplishments and some are of course their most memorable. Torrez talked about being team first thinking as a multi-athlete and said, “I would say my greatest accomplishments were winning a regional championship for both basketball and soccer. Individually my greatest accomplishment in high school was winning Conference Player of the Year for soccer this past season.”

“We won a regional championship for our high school soccer team,” said Torrez. “It was the first time since 2005. We all worked our whole high school career for that moment so it was nice to finally achieve it.” 

“As a member of the Wolf Clan I use the values of being a good leader and a teammate for all to help show my indigenous roots,” said Torrez. “My teammates turn to family and I like to lead by example for my teammates. I always want to be the best player on the field, but if I’m not I want to make sure my teammates are.”

“Two of my main mentors are my dad and mom,” said Torrez. “They’ve helped me throughout my whole career in any sport to get me to the person I am today.”

Steve and Renee Torrez are Hudson’s biggest fans. Dad Steve said: “As his parents, we have always encouraged Hudson to pursue his interests while giving his best in any/all activities. We have empowered him to maintain high levels of interest in multiple sports with soccer, basketball, track rather than narrowing his focus to one primary sport.”

“We have seen him grow in leadership, confidence, and socially by being active in more than one sport. Athletically, being a multi-sport athlete has been beneficial as well through skill and physical development. We have provided the opportunities and Hudson has done well in maintaining his level of commitment to everything he does and has shown loyalty and dedication to his coaches and teammates throughout. We are proud of his work ethic and look forward to him growing and expanding his hard work into college,” added dad Steve and also speaking for his wife Renee.

“Another one of my mentors is my basketball coach Hunter Price,” said Torrez. “He’s taught me to be a leader and has helped me grow as a person overall.”

Hunter Price, head varsity boys’ basketball coach at Big Foot HS, has many stories of Hudson shining on the court. He said: “A story that defines Hudson … there are too many. Last season we had a big conference game against a great team. It happened to be the same day as a soccer showcase. Those showcases are huge deals in terms of recruitment. We talked about it and I said ultimately the decision was his on what he should do and we’d support him as a team.”

Coach Price continued to talk about his story of Hudson. “A couple days later he said he was going to stay to play the game. I asked why and he said he didn’t want to let his teammates down. They’d been through a lot together and he wanted to see it through. I was taken aback by that sacrifice. Giving that up is a huge deal. After the game his dad and he got into a car and drove through the night to catch the tail end of the showcase. The kid cares deeply about others and has a huge heart,” added Coach Price.

Keith Blakeman is the Big Foot HS head boys’ soccer coach. Coach Blakeman said, “I coached him all four years of high school. My oldest daughter also played with Hudson for a few years when they were in youth U11 and 12 soccer, so I was aware of his talent then.”

“During Hudson’s freshman year, I was well aware that he was a great player and he was already playing on a national league club team in Milwaukee,” said Coach Blakeman. “This was scheduled to be the fall of 2020, but our season was postponed until the spring of 2021 due to Covid.”

“The season was short, Hudson played in 10 games, and strange because of masking, etc…, Hudson was splitting time with his club team, so he would practice with us and then go to club practice immediately after in Milwaukee one hour away. Despite all the problems, he scored 11 goals and had six assists and outworked most of the players in practice. I knew then that he was special.”

“Entering his junior year he had a nagging hamstring injury during the sophomore season that limited his availability and effectiveness,” Coach Blakeman said. “We lost in the first round of the playoffs in a tight game. He came into tryouts his junior year ready to lead the team. It was obvious from the first minute that he was a better and stronger player, and one of the best in our conference.”

“He scored 26 goals and had 15 assists in 19 games that year and I made him a captain for the second half of the season. I have only ever had one other junior captain in 17 years of coaching. I’ve never coached a more dedicated player,” added Coach Blakeman.

Bailey Racky is the Athletic Director at Big Foot HS. She sees all the student athletes in and out of their athletic arenas and classrooms. She is impressed with Hudson Torrez representing the school, his teams and family.

“We are super proud and excited for Hudson Torrez on signing to play D1 soccer at Marquette!” said AD Bailey Racky. “Hudson is an exemplary student-athlete. During his high school time he was able to participate in three sports, two AAU/Club teams, and still have strong academics.”

“State finisher in track & field, POY in soccer for the conference, he is a student-athlete that every coach wants on their team, not only because of his talent level, but he is willing to put in the work to get better. Hudson is also a true competitor, he is always eager to win but humble in a loss. He is truly able to see the big picture in athletics,” added AD Racky.  

AD Racky continued to talk about one of Big Foot HS’s elite student athletes. She said, “It is great to see Hudson accomplish his goals on the field/court and now for his future. For a student-athlete that put in countless hours, he deserves the world. He also is a kid that won’t settle – he will always find a way to better himself and the team/school. I cannot wait to go watch him play.”

“With having him be so close to home, it creates a great opportunity for our younger student-athletes to see him play at the next level. Hudson is an inspiration to younger athletes, one they will remember for a lifetime… as we all will here at Big Foot!” 

Photo Credit: Big Foot High School Athletics