Belinda Diaz

• Grade: 9

• Sport(s): Girls soccer and powerlifting 

• Position: Goalkeeper and defense 

• Age Started Playing: 14

How would other people describe you as an athlete?

People say I’m a team player, outspoken and outgoing. I put in a lot of pride in what I do.

How and why did you start playing?

I started playing because I found it really interesting and the people in it are really friendly, it’s just such a different environment.

Describe how you prepare before a game/tournament.

If it’s a home game I usually just stay after school, prepare mentally and physically by stretching and seeing how I’m going to play. If it’s an away game I grab my bag, make sure everything’s inside and help get equipment to the bus. I’m checking if everyone is okay and also again prepare myself mentally and physically

For people that have never played your sport, what do you think the average person gets wrong about it?

They don’t really know where to kick the ball.

What personal superstitions or traditions do you have before, during or after a game?

Well before our game we like to pray to make sure we are safe and after the game I love to thank god for keeping us safe.

Tell us about your favorite memory as an athlete either on or off the field.

My favorite memory as an athlete was the very first time I became a goalkeeper when out of nowhere I was just like “I wanna play goalkeeper” that helped me get in and I surprised my coach.

Tell us the story about what you are most proud of yourself for.

 I think the thing that I am most proud of myself for is how I balance all the sports that I’m in, going to school, and my life at the same time.

As an athlete, who is someone you are thankful for and why?

One person that I am so thankful for is my mom. She literally quit her job to focus on me and help me.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you began playing?

To not stress about other people it’s not worth it and to always believe in myself

What’s on your sports bucket list?

Help my team as much as possible on and off the field.

Favorites

• Team/Sport Ritual or Tradition: Praying before the game
• Pre-Game Meal: I don’t like eating before a game but if I had to choose it would be Yogurt with granola ,banana and honey . 
• Post-Game Meal: I love to get my Chex Mix with Arizona tea
• Exercise: I like to just work out my legs
• Practice: 1v1s
• Hype Music: Any music with a fast rhythm 
• Sports Movie/TV Show: Watch soccer games with my dad
• Coach: I would choose all of them but Coach Pope will be the one, because she saw the potential in me.