5/1/24
SoCal to Valencia to San Antonio

GBA: Looking back since the big decision, what was the Gap Year like for you?

HW: The Gap Year was great for me in so many ways. It gave me the opportunity to grow as a player and as a person for an extra year prior to entering college. It also allowed me the opportunity to live in Spain for 10months, which is an opportunity I may never get again. I am very grateful to have taken this Gap Year with Eture Men’s Soccer. It has truly helped me to become ready to come in and make an instant impact in the college game, whereas last year I was not nearly as ready as I am now.

 

GBA: What’s the biggest difference between ECNL footy vs Gap Year footy with Eture in Spain?

HW: The main differences between the top level in the USA (ECNL/MLSNEXT) and the top level in Spain’s youth system (División Honor) is the technical aspect, the creativity, the coaching, and the culture. In the top Spanish academies, every coach has so many years of experience either playing or coaching some of the highest levels, which then translates to their team being better due to all of the experience from the coaching staff. The technical side is much more important in the higher levels of Spanish soccer from such a young age. The size and physicality aspect of the game comes with time and it is quite obvious how much emphasis is put on playing together as a team and individual technical abilities from a young age in Spain. The American side of the game tends to often focus on the biggest, fastest, and strongest players, whereas the Spanish side focuses on the smartest, most technically sound, and all around best players. And finally the overall culture in Spain around the game is so much different from the USA. Everybody grows up with a ball at their feet, as well as constantly watching the game. Soccer is everything in Spain.

 

GBA: Were colleges/universities able to see you play while completing your Gap Year?

HW: Through Eture Sports, over 50 top colleges/universities have been able to see us play in person here in Spain. Many coaches make individual trips, as well as the February showcase where over 45 top coaching staffs come to scout. And then via video over 100 different coaching staffs have watched video highlights and full game film from the players within the Eture programs. Visibility is not an issue here with Eture, which is one of the special things about Eture versus other Gap Year programs. Staff at Eture has played at top universities such as Oregon State, Clemson, UVM, Franklin Pierce, Trinity, Coastal Carolina, and others. This has helped to create a base which has been massively expanded to having connections to majority of D1, D2, and D3 coaching staffs in the USA. 

 

GBA: From having offers when your were a Senior at Cathedral Catholic to receiving offers as an Eture student athlete. What would you say is the biggest difference between Hagan then and Hagan now?!?

HW: The biggest difference is that coming out of High School I was still a child, as now coming out of a year in Spain I am more of a man than ever. My game has improved so much in my year out in Spain due to the incredible coaching staff we have at Eture as well as the competition we play against weekly. Coming out of High School I was ready to be on a college roster. After a year in Spain, I am ready to have instant impact on a college roster, not just be a part of it. That has been the main difference between playing the USA where everything is just based on getting you to college, whereas here the emphasis was on having you ready to have impact in college, knowing that eventually the offer or offers will come.

 

GBA: Lastly, what are your plans this Summer to prepare you for you move to San Antonio, TX?

HW: My plans are the same as they have always been, work. Continue to keep improving through working with my coaches back home, growing stronger in the gym, staying healthy with my Physical Therapists, and being mentally strong and ready for the Fall Season. Only difference will be adding in even more cardio than ever to be ready for the Texas heat. Otherwise the move shouldn’t be too big of a deal, I moved across the world this year, moving a few states will be much easier than what I did this year. I am very excited for what San Antonio and my time at Trinity will bring and am excited to get to work in the Fall.

What an incredible two year period Hagan has had. Working with him has been truly eye opening and so many players after him can benefit from his words and expereience. Tremendous amount of work has been put in by this young man and now he will reap the fruits of his labor. All the best at Trinity University, we'll be keeping a close eye on you as you continue to grow and dominate. Congrats again Hagan!