How did you first get interested in soccer?

My family moved to Las Vegas the summer before fifth grade.  My mom was looking for some ways for me to make friends before school started.  Someone told her that rec league was having soccer sign ups.  That night, my parents found some cleats on sale for around $10, so they bought them and signed me up.  I cried because I didn’t want to play but they made me go and I met some of my best friends that way.

What position do you play?

I am a goalkeeper.  When I first started soccer, I played forward, but after a year my coach wanted to change me to keeper because I had good hands.  I signed up with a keeper coach who taught me about positioning and technique and I fell in love with the position. 

What are some of your other favorite sports to play?

I played volleyball through eighth grade.  I played at Heritage Middle School where we won districts.  I still love playing volleyball. I used to go from my volleyball games straight to soccer practice and would change in the car while my mom was driving.  I finally had to choose one because I just didn’t have time to do both.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from high school sports?

How to step up and be a leader and manage my time.  Our team is young and I was given the opportunity to be a leader early.  It has helped me in so many ways outside of soccer.  High school sports have also helped me learn to manage my time.  Between practices, games, school and friends, I have to prioritize my time to make sure everything gets done and that I still have time to enjoy high school. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

My parents told me don’t dwell on mistakes, everyone makes them.  Learn from them and move on.  As a keeper, when you’re scored on, you have to move on.  You can’t let one goal turn into two because you’re upset.  You have to put it behind you and move on quickly. 

What has been your favorite high school memory so far?

Winning our first state championship in 2018.  We came back from 3 down to go to penalty kicks.  I blocked the sixth penalty kick for the win.  We had traveled to Idaho Falls on the same bus with the boys team.  They played for the state championship right after us and we got to stay and cheer them on and they also won state.  The bus ride home was amazing!

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I love art and photography.  The state championship game this year was late and I had a lot of time to kill.  I spent that time painting to help me relax.

How do you want to be remembered?

I hope to be remembered as someone who is determined and hardworking, someone who gave their best at every practice and game and encouraged those around me to do their best, someone who is loyal and a good friend.

I’d like to give a shout out to my coaches and trainers, Brian Smith, Donal Kaehler, Liz Ruiz and Taylor Cook.  I have been lucky to be surrounded by people who help me become a better soccer player and a better person.  Shout out to my club, the Boise Thorns, for giving me the opportunity to play against some of the best teams in the country and for helping me get committed to the University of Utah, Dylan from Off the Field for keeping me in shape and physically ready to take the field.  Mr. Steiner for being a fantastic math teacher and supporting our team at every game.  A special shout out to my family, my parents for all of the gear they’ve had to purchase, driving me back and forth to practices and game as well as supporting me in everything to do.  Also, I’d like to thank my sisters for having their lives revolve around my schedule and for always being there for me.