Quick Facts
Biography
Stephen Wondolowski (Polish pronunciation: [vɔndɔˈwɔfski]; born August 13, 1985 in Danville, California) is a former American soccer defender.
Career
High school
He played high school soccer at De La Salle High School in Concord, California, where he helped his team earn a North Coast section title in 2003. He was selected for All-Bay Valley League awards in 2002-2003 and All-East Bay honors in 2003.
Wondolowski played his club soccer for Diablo Valley Soccer Club (DVSC) and the Danville Mustang Soccer Association.
College
Wondolowski was signed to a developmental contract in September 2007 after graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He enjoyed a standout career as a collegiate soccer player as both a central defender and as a forward. As a four-year starter, he helped lead his team to four consecutive NCAA playoff appearances, including a trip to the 2004 finals vs. Messiah College. Wondolowski earned NCAA Division III Final Four All-Tournament Team honors as a sophomore, as well as three straight D-III All-Independent Team selections (2004–2006). After the fourth game of his senior season, Wondolowski moved to forward, where he responded with 17 goals scored and season-ending acknowledgement as the D-III All-Independent “Offensive Player of the Year.”
Wondolowski’s all-around play was also key to the success of two other teams: the Salinas Valley Samba (2005) and the San Jose Frogs (2006) of the Men’s Premier Soccer League (MPSL).
Professional
Wondolowski made his full professional debut for Dynamo on 1 July 2008, in a US Open Cup third round game against Charleston Battery. [1] He was waived in March 2009.
Coaching
Stephen Wondolowski now coaches the youth teams of the San Jose Earthquakes.
Personal
Stephen is the brother of fellow professional soccer player Chris Wondolowski, who plays for the San Jose Earthquakes. He is of Kiowa and Polish descent.