- 2023 Spotlight
Personal Statement
My aspirations and goals come from hard work and determination to keep getting better and be the best player every time I step out on the soccer field. The reason why I have always played soccer was because I love the competitive environment and high energy that comes with the game. I mostly excel in controlling the play and my team. I love to inspire people to do what they are good at. One main goal of mine is to get into a high-level D1 college to play in the soccer program. Another dream of mine is to play for my country, Peru, and make my family proud when they watch me on TV and bring pride to not only my country but people as well. My club, NC Courage has taught me leadership and how to be humble and not arrogant when we win a game. Soccer is what helps me stay composed mentally. Soccer is like a safe haven for me, I can forget everything that has been going on in real life. Every time I step on the field my mind goes blank and I don’t think, I just play. Soccer has taught me many things but one important thing is compassion. You should always show compassion. Soccer makes me feel like I am worth something important. But I also like the high competitive factor in soccer, to me it's so much fun to compete with your team. There is no better feeling than playing a great game with your team in my opinion. I have been through 2 long-term injuries. My first injury happened in May 2022, I tore my ACL, lateral, and medial meniscus. I was 2 weeks from coming back to play full contact. But then I was confined with another setback, tearing my MCL and medial meniscus. Both Injuries were heartbreaking. But they not only brought me heartbreak but made my perseverance grow. I had many people including family, friends, and mentors supporting me throughout my whole process. However, after a bunch of rehab and training again, I was struck with another tragedy injuring my left knee for the third time. I had a locked knee because of complications with my medial meniscus once again. Despite the three surgeries, I continued to go through the excruciating process of physical therapy and rehab once more. I was so incredibly lucky to be working with such great people to encourage me and help me through all my journies. I owe so much appreciation to them. Even though I thought of giving up, one person who always helped me overcome mental blocks was my dad. He is my hero. I am now working my way back to playing at my full self. I am only playing 15-20 minutes a half as of right now but I am continuing to work hard to make myself even better than before.
