Nothing could finish off a senior year better than signing with a school to play a sport you have a passion for in college. For graduated senior Julia Rivera, that dream became a reality on Friday May 29th 2009 when she signed on to play for the Women’s soccer team at Indiana Tech.
“In March, the coach emailed me and told me a little bit about the school, and told me he was looking for a goalkeeper for next year,” said Rivera. “I hadn’t even heard about the school until he contacted me.”
This amazing achievement not only benefits Julia, but also her family.
“It’s fantastic, and a huge relief to have everything taken care of,” said Rivera’s mother, Heather Payne. “[The scholarship] is a financial relief for our family.”
Becoming a member of a brand new team can be an intimidating experience, but Rivera is completely ready for the challenge, and feels more thankful than nervous.
“I felt really relieved [when I signed] because now everything is taken care of and I have nothing else to worry about,” said Rivera.
“It is going to be very easy for her. Scholarship athletes get to move in first and get their first choice of classes. It is a huge burden off our shoulders,” said Payne.
As hard as Julia worked to receive this honor, her Seaholm Soccer Coach, James Tyers, has much to be proud of.
“I am very proud of Julia’s achievements, and hope she is very successful,” said her Seaholm soccer coach, James Tyers. “She has worked hard for this.”
Her coach saw this talent in Julia in a very short time after she began her soccer career at Seaholm.
“Once we got a few months into the season, it was very apparent that Julia had a good ability as a goal keeper,” said Tyers. “She had every chance of gaining some rewards, or a scholarship for a University.”
As good as the idea of college seems to any senior seeking freedom, for Rivera, it will be an easy adjustment, and an overall successful year.
“I think this will benefit my college experience, because I have to keep up my grades and keep myself in line,” said Rivera. “I will be make good friends and develop close relationships with girls on the team.”
Rivera has undeniably left her mark on the Seaholm soccer field, and she has made this happen through outstanding work ethic and devotion.
“I believe Julia can be an example for the younger girls in the soccer program in that they have proved hard work, and dedication provide rewards and there are no short cuts,” said Tyers.
