FRA
Meet Aria Solano. As a graduate student in her 5th year at Piedmont University, she reflects on her journey filled with highs, moments of electrifying triumph, and personal and athletic development. Let’s delve deeper into Aria’s world, navigating through her soccer journey, influences, cherished traditions, and aspirations for the future.
Q: Can you start by introducing yourself and sharing a bit about your soccer journey so far?
A: Currently, I’m getting my master’s degree in health and human performance and will graduate summer of 2024. I’m from Florida but I’ve been attending Piedmont University in Georgia since 2019! What led me to Piedmont was wanting to play for coach Timmy and how pretty the Piedmont campus is. My time as a soccer player at Piedmont has come with so many highs and great memories. As my last year of playing college soccer comes to an end I feel nothing but thankfulness and joy for making the right decision to play here all those years ago.
Aria kicked off her soccer adventure at 10, enchanted by the thrill of competition and the joy of scoring.
Q: How long have you been playing soccer, and what initially sparked your interest in the sport?
A: I started playing soccer when I was 10 years old, so I would say I had a later start than most. However, that didn’t stop me from wanting to excel in the sport and I really fell in love with the game. What sparked my interest in the sport was how competitive it was, and how rewarding it was to score/win, and it was a good outlet for me to channel my high energy.
Guided by influential stars like her parents and incredible coaches, Aria’s leadership style blossomed.
Q: Are there any individuals, either within or outside of soccer, who have played a significant role in shaping your leadership style or athletic career? How have they influenced you?
A: I’ve never been a loud leader but I like to lead by example or build relationships that can help me lead others when they need help. My parents have always influenced me in that way and always have brought me up to be a good example for others. Athletically, I’ve had a lot of great coaches in my life who have helped me want to be a better person/ player on and off the field: Coach Timmy, Coach Jess, Coach Delf, and Coach Jen. All of these coaches have played different roles in my life but have nevertheless poured into me and have helped shape me into the person I am today!
Hard Work and Friendship: Pillars of Joy and Support
Q: What’s your favorite part about training?
A: My favorite part of training is working hard. I love putting in work knowing I’m going to reap the reward of my dedication. Another part of training I love is seeing my friends. Training is never boring or if I’m feeling down my friends at practice always know how to cheer me up!
The Beyond Pulse data has been a guiding light for Aria.
Q: What’s your relationship like with the data? How has it shaped you as an athlete and as a student?
A: Looking at Beyond Pulse data post-games is always an exciting aspect of my performance to me. I love seeing how far I’ve run and I enjoy analyzing my heart rate zones. Athletically, this has helped me see how hard I worked or not in a session and it helps me want to be better. As a student, this data has helped me shape my research project for graduate school. My research study includes analyzing the data from Body Pulse, determining the internal load on specific position types, and studying the heart rate zones in which the athletes spend the most time.
Preparation is a sacred ritual.
Q: How do you personally prepare yourself physically and mentally for games?
A: Physically for games I prepare by making sure I get enough sleep the night before and have consumed the right balance of water and electrolytes. I also make sure I consume the right of carbs, proteins, and fats prior to the game. These aspects help my performance level to be at peak for when it’s time to play. Mentally, I like to visualize myself on the field playing. I always do mental preparation by seeing myself making precise passes, scoring goals, and having clean touches. Another way in which I prepare is through praying, this always helps me calm my mind and know that ultimately my performance isn’t to honor myself.
Memories are the jewels of our experiences. For Aria, a particular game shimmers in her memory, a testament to the electrifying spirit of competition.
Q: Can you share a memorable game day moment or match that stands out to you in your time with the women’s team?
A: The most memorable game for me was last year’s conference final on our home turf. This game went into double overtime and then into PK’s. Never in my life have I been so electrified by the game. We had a huge crowd for support and when we won in PK’s it was the best of my entire soccer career. Not only did we beat a rival but we were able to do it on our home turf as a team. We worked so hard the entire season and to win the conference was a huge reward for our dedication.
Team Vibes: One Word? Energetic!
Q: If you had to describe your team’s personality in one word, what would it be, and why?
A: If I had to describe my team’s personality in one word it would be energetic. My team is always high on life and filled with zest. We always possess high energy wherever we go, whether it’s an 8-hour bus ride or it’s 8 a.m. in the morning, the group as a whole is energetic.
Passions beyond the soccer field.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents outside of soccer that might surprise people?
A: I wouldn’t say I have a hidden talent outside of soccer, but I do have other passions besides soccer. I would say my other passion is fitness. I love weight training and everything that it does mentally and physically for a person.
Aria sets her sports performance career in motion.
Q: What are your aspirations for life after graduation? Do you see soccer playing a role in your future endeavors, or do you have other career paths in mind?
A: After I graduate with my master’s degree, I aspire to work for a sports performance company or university. I definitely see soccer playing a role in my professional career as I will be working with all types of athletes one day and I understand what’s it like to be an athlete.
Living in the moment: Aria’s Life Mantra
Q: Do you have a mantra or a quote that you “live by”? Or is there a particular saying that serves as a driving force for you on the field?
A: Something I like to live by is the idea of time. There are moments in time you’ll never get back and so my goal is to stay in the present and handle every situation the best I can during that moment. This concept helps me on and off the field always. In terms of soccer, this idea aids me in soaking in the highs and the lows of soccer and being present in those moments. Moreover, it helps me know that my time in soccer can be done at any point in time so I need to give it everything I have every time I step onto the field.
A Glimpse Back: Advice to A Younger Aria
Q: If you could give a younger version of yourself any piece of advice, what would it be?
A: If I could give my younger self any piece of advice it would be to be confident. Majority of my life I lacked confidence on the field, mentally, and physically. Being confident has recently changed my life and has helped me grow in so many areas of my life. Another piece of advice I would give my younger self is to start weight training sooner. Lifting has also changed my life and I think if I had started sooner my athletic performance on the field would have skyrocketed.
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