“I have always enjoyed [soccer] and it’s something that has always made me happy,” said Victoria Vera, “whether it was playing or just watching others play the game.”

Vera has been on the soccer field every season since her freshman year, and also started serving as team captain. Before she came to Armijo, though, Vera had already been playing at the Solano Soccer Club since she was four.

“My dad was the one that introduced me to soccer,” she said. “He played growing up and he always pushed me to do by best at the sport that he loved as well.” Now she traditionally plays the center midfielder position.

It hasn’t been easy, but Vera hasn’t had to give up soccer just because of COVID-19. “I haven’t stopped playing for club, which is amazing because even getting the slightest touch on the ball is what makes a smile come to my face.” The school season, however, has been postponed. “It’s something that helps me stay in shape, get out of the house, and lets me socialize with my teammates.”

Soccer isn’t her only sport. She also plays volleyball.  “I did make the varsity team since my freshman year and that was one of the best experiences to have,” she said. With both sports, Vera does not need to have any additional hobbies.

“My advice for someone that is contemplating on doing sports is that you don’t have to be the best at it. As time goes on then your skills and love for the game will grow which will just make you want to play it even more,” said Vera. “Sports aren’t easy but it’s the fun of it that makes you want to continue to do your absolute best until you’re great at it.”

“One of my most memorable games was our last game of the season. We played at Fairfield High School. We were tied 1-1 with about 10 minutes left on the clock. I made a pass to about the 30 yard line to my teammate Vanesa. She just took a chance and shot it and the goal went it. It was one of the most exciting moments that brought us to teary eyes and definitely one that I will never forget,” said Vera.

While Vera is a strongly focused in her own sports, she has been inspired by her brother, Ruben. “He is a senior at Armijo High School,” she said. “He pretty much dedicated every free time he had into baseball. He worked so hard for it and continues to do his very best. He taught me that of course there’s going to be mess ups and not every day is going to be your best but it’s the hard work and dedication that goes into it that pays off for the sport that you love. “

While she is not sure whether she will have the time or opportunity to participate in sports in college, she does hope to, but she knows the load will be heavy. “When I graduate, I hope to continue to a four-year college to become a doctor in labor and delivery, which would be my overall dream.”  Her ultimate destination for college is UC Irvine.