Izzy Melara Soccer Interview

Izzy Melara is a senior at Valencia High School, where she is finishing her final season of soccer. She has been playing for the girls' soccer program since freshman year and is very emotional about leaving her team in the upcoming months. Izzy participates in martial arts in her free time while also working at her job, an after-school program center that teaches kids martial arts. Additionally, Izzy is an instructional aid, where she helps assist teachers and, if needed, teaches by herself sometimes. Her job has led her to recognize how much she enjoys working with the kids, seeing how they are, and being able to problem-solve for their benefit. 

Q: How long have you played soccer, and what inspired you to start?

A: I’ve played soccer for ten years and what inspired me to play was my family and watching them play when I was little.

Q: What position do you play, and why do you enjoy it? 

A: I play goalkeeper. I found out I was good at it and just stuck with it.

Q: What lessons has playing soccer taught you?

A: It has taught me that you don’t have to be perfect right away and just play your game. Don’t let others tell you differently.

Q: What has been your favorite moment throughout your athletic career?

A: My favorite moment has been winning tournaments with my team.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced playing soccer? 

A: My biggest challenge has been facing mental challenges during games.

Q: Are you planning to continue playing soccer in the future? 

A: I will continue to play after high school into college.

Q: What is some advice you would give to younger players trying to achieve their goals?

A: I would tell them don’t listen to the negativity and play your game and focus on your improvement at your own time, not another person’s.

Q: Is there someone in your life or in the soccer community that you look up to the most?

A: I would say I look up to my mom because she keeps on giving everything she’s got and that’s the mentality I want to have.