In this edition of Cougar Corner, we sat down with Sarah Aragon, a sophomore midfielder from Poway, California.
The Cal State San Marcos women's soccer team holds an overall record of 4-5-2 and a conference record of 3-3-0, landing them sixth in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) standings.
Q. What makes CSUSM unique from other schools?
I think the environment and how much the staff and administration cares for their students and their student-athletes. They provide so many resources like the math lab and writing center to help us succeed.
Q. What was it like when you committed to CSUSM?
I was probably one of the last people to commit here, I committed my senior year of high school so it felt great to have a plan and know what I wanted to do with college soccer and academics. I was committed to go to a different school and ended up changing my mind, Cal State was there to sweep me off my feet.
Q. Favorite class?
Right now I really like macro economics. My professor teaches it in a way that makes it interesting and helps us to understand it in the real world. Even though it's three hours long, I look forward to going to it!
Q. Are you involved with other groups on campus?
I'm in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and student philanthropy council. I like being a part of the student philanthropy council because it's something outside of athletics that I'm a part of and I like seeing what else goes on outside of athletics. I also love SAAC! I'm the community outreach executive, so I make sure that SAAC is doing community service. It's super fun and I love it!
Q. How did you get started in soccer?
I was around 5 and I think the reason I started playing was because of my older brother. He played soccer and I wanted to play too, I realized that I have this competitive itch. I grew up with the game and now here I am!
Q. Who's the funniest person on the team?
I would have to say two people - sophomore Emilee Garrett, she is just so goofy and silly. She's always someone you look to, to make you laugh. I think it's just her vibes and energy that make you laugh! Jessica Harloe, she's a senior, I think you can talk about anything with her and she would make you laugh. You could be having a serious conversation and she would bring out the funny in life. Those two, they're clowns! |
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Q. What kind of music can you be found listening to before competing?
Before a game, I would say rap! It just gets me hyped!
Q. What is your favorite team tradition?
We do a team sleepover before fall season starts, it's good team bonding. We bake cookies, make pizza and watch movies. I think it's important to get to know each other before we step on the field together and set a common goal for the season. That and the team Christmas party is always fun!
Q. If you aren't at practice or in class, what are you most likely doing?
I'm at work, I work at the Nike Outlet in Carlsbad and I love being attached to them in that way. It's a great networking because I want to go into sports marketing. Other than work, soccer and school I'm just relaxing, it's a lot.
Q. Describe your team in one word.
Passionate. I think with this season we struggled a lot with just fighting for each other but we all know we have the same passion for the game. We all have the same goal of making it to post season in the CCAA.
Q. Favorite food?
I love burritos. California burritos, breakfast burritos, all burritos. After most home games, since they're double headers, I go across the street to get a burrito and come back for the men's game to eat my burrito while watching their game. I make breakfast burritos after practice all the time!
Q. Best advice you have received?
Our assistant coaches, Jill and Kelly, always tell us to just play. Just play soccer and to be fearless. They tell us to be fearless on the field and in life, because they always say they aren't coaching us just for a season or for four years, they're coaching us for life and they always tell us to be fearless. Don't worry about the mistakes you make on the field, don't worry about the mistakes that we're going to make, just play. In life, do what you gotta do, go for it and be fearless. I definitely took that to heart, especially last year as a freshman. I overthought everything and they told me to just go for it.
Q. What was the best movie you saw last and why?
When The Game Stands Tall. It was inspiring because even the best teams have their downfalls, what makes them even greater is how they come back from that.
Q. Favorite place to travel?
I love going to Oahu, Hawaii. My dad is stationed there, my sister and I get to visit him there and I just love it! |
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Q. If you could be any animal, what would it be?
An elephant. They're so smart and majestic. |
Q. What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be a marketing manager for a professional sports team would be awesome. |
Q. Do you have any hobbies?
I like reading once in a while. I love volunteering. SAAC keeps me busy with community outreach so it's perfect.
Q. What is your funniest Coach Bobby moment?
Ohhh, he's kind of just a character overall. It's nothing big that's hilariously fun, it's the little things. When he sets up the cones for practice, he puts the big cones on his head and will just be walking around with cones in his hands and on his head. His Halloween costumes are always on point. Last year he was Mr. Clean and the year before that he was Pitbull.
Q. Which animated character does coach Bobby remind you of?
He kind of reminds me of Woody from Toy Story. He does this really funny country accent all the time, we have a teammate from Texas so he brings it out every once in a while. Bobby is always that person that is rooting for you and always taking care of everyone.
Q. What is your most memorable experience as a student-athlete?
Beating UCSD was definitely a highlight last year for conference. That was the second time we played them, the first time we played at their field and they kind of just outplayed us. So going into conference, playing them at home for points was something that we needed to get done. We rose to the occasion, we broke their record of being undefeated in CCAA play for 3 years, that just raised our confidence and brought us together as a team. That showed us that we can do this, we can beat the No. 1 team in the nation, we can play with anyone.
You can catch Sarah and the CSUSM women's soccer team in action at 12:30 p.m. in The Cage on Friday, October 18th, as they face Stanislaus State.
