| Veronica Najera |
Sophomore Veronica Najera, who was part of UTSA’s first-eversoccer team last year, helped the Roadrunners post a 9-9-2 record and a 6-2-1Southland Conference mark this season and their second straight trip to the SLC Tournament. In just her second year playing the forward position, theWaxahachie native has become a proven scorer, with a career-high nine goals in 20 matches. Najera, who started 13 of 19 contests last year, led the team with 38shots and ranked second on the squad with six goals. She earned honorable mention all-league accolades a year ago. Last week, Najera earned second-team All-SLC honors. Najera recently sat down with goUTSA.com to discuss the season, her transition to forward and herpreparation for this year.
Last year was UTSA’s first year having a soccer team. Howdid it feel being a freshman on the very first team?
”It was really exciting and it felt reallygood because everyone was in the same position being young and here for thefirst time. It added more pressure, because we were the underdogs and nobodyexpected us to win. I think we were all better for it.”
What were your expectations for last year and were theyaccurate?
”I wasn’t sure at first because I didn’t knowhow everyone played, but when we started practicing, we all worked really hard,so I expected us to do well and we did. I wanted us to win first place in theSouthland Conference, but second was good enough for me.”
Afteryour first year playing collegiate soccer, was there anything in particular youworked on to prepare for this season?
”This summer I ran a whole lot more than I didlast summer just because I knew what to expect when I came. I also liftedweights and ate right.”
How did you handle the transition from playing midfielderto forward?
“I like it a lot. It was prettyeasy because I’m more of an offensive player. I’m a better forward than I wasas a midfielder, but I’m excited to keep getting better at it.”
How is being away from home?
“It’s not bad; I like San Antonio a lot. It’sbig and there’s always something to do, but I’m still learning where everythingis. Home is only four hours away, so if I wanted to go home, it wouldn’t be toobad of a drive. I really don’t get home sick.”
What do you like to do when you’re not playing soccer?
“Hanging out with my friends andgoing to the movies; the soccer team gets along really well, so we hang out alot. We all have different personalities, but some how we just click. We justhave good times when we’re around each other and make each other laugh a lot.”