We’re all about supporting our local youth athletes so I’m proud to share our first brave volunteer, nominated by her coach, Mel Kirk.
(Photo credit: Dominic Massimino/Union Democrat)
Which is your preferred sport?
Soccer is my main sport. I play for a travel team in Turlock. I have also played volleyball in the past and I do track at my high school: The 100-meter hurdles, our 4×4 relay, the 400 and the long jump.
I have been practicing with our Sierra United team, varsity at Summerville high and guest playing for tournaments.
When did you start playing?
I started playing when I was really young, I think the tiny tot level when I was 4 or 5. I was hooked right from the start.
What position do you play?
On the high school team, I play an 8 which is a defensive center-mid. With our travel team, I play an 11 which is a wing position, running up and down the field.
Do you have extra training on top of your regular soccer training?
Yes! I do a lot of running and ball mastery, kicking off a wall and receiving. I work in Twain Harte, so I’ll use the wall by the school to practice hitting the ball before work or after school. I’ll do an hour of reps. During the school year I’ll go to Summerville and practice my shooting.
What attracted you to soccer?
I think it’s the adrenaline that you get. I like having to work hard for something and being able to achieve it – it’s a great feeling when you get a goal or a steal. After the games, you feel amazing too. I’m a very competitive person. I love winning. I love when my teammates are successful too. Part of the fun of playing a competitive team sport is the win and being with your teammates through that. If it’s your success or your teammates success, it’s good for everyone.
What is it like for you when you lose?
Everyone loses and you can’t control that. There are teams that are better or you might be having a bad game. As much as it hurts me, I know I need to be stronger for my team. I never want anyone to think I’m upset about it or upset with anyone about it, so I try to keep myself positive. Sometimes it’s harder than others.
What is the hardest team you’ve played against?
Pitman. They have a very good team. When we played them, it was the beginning of our season and it was hard. They were well put together, they had good passing, good teamwork and they were conditioned. They did not get tired at all.
Talk to me about your coaches, do any stand out?
I love all of my coaches. They are all amazing. Each of them has played a role in who I am as a person today.
Jesse Oliva was a very good coach. Jesse helped condition us— we would do hills, stairs, etc. The football team would do their running then we would do their running too. It was a really fun experience that I remember vividly.
My high school coaches were also great. Mel Kirk was my Sierra United coach. He had a very big impact on my life. It was so nice freshman year to have him as a familiar face, so often you’re on a team with girls you don’t really know.
Dr.Portillo, has helped with soccer and with medical problems. He’s always the first person out there when someone is injured. He always looks out for our well being and serves as an example to us. Trish too, she’s amazing. Sometimes she’s a coach, sometimes she’s also a friend. It’s always nice to have someone you can look up to.
How have they affected you in your life?
A lot of everything. Jesse made me tougher; he made me want to play soccer better. With Mel, I gained a lot of knowledge of the field and developed connections with my teammates. For high school, Trish and Dr.Portillo coach in a way that isn’t demanding and doesn’t put too much pressure on us. We have inspirational talks; we always try to keep things fun. They make sure we’re building good relationships, good memories and keep things fun.
What do you dream about doing when you grow up?
I want to be an athletic trainer or physical therapist for major league sports. I am hoping to continue playing soccer in college. I think it would be an awesome experience.
What do you think your life would be like without sports? Let’s say, no soccer, no track.
I honestly can’t tell you. There are things I like to do such as hiking and reading. Without sports I can’t imagine myself. I do three seasons year-round so it’s hard to envision. I guess I would be working a lot more!
If I could grant one wish to benefit our local youth, what would you ask for?
More opportunities. I feel a lot of kids don’t realize things are going on until they are passed. More ways for kids to get out there, for every sport. Sports should be an option for anyone. Maybe more free clinics that are accessible to everyone.
Do you have any sports heroes?
Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan. There’s a young girl who plays for the San Diego Waves, Melanie Barcenas. She’s incredible. Chloe Ricketts, same thing. Super young. There are a lot of powerful women athletes. It’s cool to see athletes that are my age competing at a high level. It motivates me to do more.
What do your friends think of your athletic success and how do you handle missing out on other activities because of a more demanding schedule?
A lot of my friends play sports, including soccer. With high school sports, it’s harder, but they understand. We all kind of get each other’s schedules. There’s definitely a sense of FOMO. It’s hard with dances on Saturdays, if I want to get ready with my friends, I can’t because I usually have a game. That said, I get a lot of opportunities with sports. It’s all about working with my schedule instead of against it.
What motivates you to try other sports outside of soccer?
I want to learn new things! Every sport you play, you learn new things. For example with track, I’ve perfected my running form which has helped with other areas. I feel like even though it’s a different sport, I’ve understood how it can translate. Even in going out to learn new things just for the sake of it, there’s always specific elements that can make you better as a player and a person. Other sports can teach you that.
How have sports taught you how to handle adverse situations?
If there’s someone on the team who is annoying you or being disrespectful, you always let the game talk. You never approach another play disrespectfully. You do what you need to do to win the game or show them it’s not worth it.
Not everything is fair. It’s not about what they (other players) do, it’s about how you deal with it. Just showing you can be successful and calm is a good lesson. There’s no reason to waste energy on something that might not matter in five years.
How do you build community within your team?
There’s always a person who’s more focused on themselves. It’s more important to work with them than trying to work around them. Sometimes it’s not about being successful, it’s about the team. Take it upon yourself to realize, I can help them become successful, vs being successful for myself.
In our high school team, we grown as a small family. At the beginning of the season, our coaches review great qualities of a teammate and a leader. There are obviously people who are only focused on play. Instead of trying to make people work with me, we can meet in the middle. In high school, you want to make memories and have fun.
What is one weird quirky thing about you that many people don’t know?
I think I watched too many horror movies growing up! I refuse to go outside in the dark alone. I always need to have someone with me.