For Yareli Garcia, this soccer season at Maize centered on growth, adaptability and building confidence on both sides of her game.
“My primary focus this season was to get a better first touch and becoming more confident using my left foot,” Garcia said. “I wanted to become more consistent with my left foot, help my team succeed, and continue developing my skills on both ends of the game.”
That development showed up in her play, as Garcia said she improved her ability to distribute the ball and earned new opportunities across the field from her coach.
“I have accomplished better passes with my left foot and been moved around on the field by my coach,” she said. “Knowing that my coach trust me enough to try me in new place, so I can grow as player and try new positions.”
Garcia has been used in multiple roles, relying on her speed and aggressiveness to impact games in different areas. She describes herself as a versatile player capable of contributing both defensively and in attack.
“My strengths is my speed, my ability to move the ball forward from the defensive side of the field, and being aggressive on the field,” Garcia said. “In the forward my speed and crossing the ball. I utilize my strength as a universal player up top and in the back by creating chances in the forward and supporting my middle defender. My use my speed and aggressive movement to stay unpredictable, pressure opponents, and control the pace of the fight.”
Heading into the season, Garcia also focused on improving her consistency and expanding her ability to create scoring opportunities for her team. Much of that work came during the offseason, when she committed time to training with teammates and refining her technical skills.
“Creating opportunities for me and my team, leading them to victory,” she said. “I want to become a better player on the field and outside of the field. I have trained with friends before the season started and went on runs, also did drills to work on my touches.”
For Garcia, success is measured not only in wins, but in connection and enjoyment within the team dynamic.
“A successful season looks like a family to me,” she said. “Where we all connect with one another and have fun playing the sport we love. We connect passes and work together to get what we want at the end of the game. We need to make sure we get our business done but also having an amazing time playing with one another.”
