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Alajuela, Costa Rica – The air was thick with humidity in Alajuela, Costa Rica, but all I felt was adrenaline. Standing on the field, wearing my country’s colors during the CONCACAF U20 Championship from May 30 to June 8, 2025, was one of the proudest and most humbling experiences of my life.
I had the privilege of representing Puerto Rico on a stage that offered not just competition, but the chance to make history. Even now, the memory feels both surreal and grounding — a reminder of the responsibility and honor that comes with wearing your nation’s crest.
One moment I will never forget was starting my first game on a World Cup qualifying stage for my country. Hearing the national anthem play, knowing I had not only my country behind me but also my friends and family, was indescribable. As the anthem played, I looked up and felt a deep sense of privilege as Puerto Rican flags filled the stands. In that moment, I knew I wasn’t just playing for myself. I was honoring those who came before me.
What made the journey even more special was that I didn’t experience it alone. My college teammate, Sofia Cortes-Brown, and my coach, Nat Rodriguez, were there with me, each representing their own countries on the same championship stage. Sofia competed for Canada, while Coach Nat led Puerto Rico from the sidelines. Sharing such an incredible international tournament with people I train with every day at school was both comforting and exhilarating.
Sofia’s journey was extraordinary. She helped lead Canada to victory in the tournament, earning a spot in the 2026 U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. They didn’t just qualify — they went home as CONCACAF U20 champions. As Sofia put it: “Representing Team Canada at the World Cup qualifiers is an experience I’ll never forget, and winning the tournament made it even more special. We faced our fair share of challenges, but we stayed locked in on our goal the entire way.” Seeing her triumph was inspiring and a testament to the level of commitment it takes to succeed at that level.
On our side, Coach Nat and I were working just as hard to try to make history for Puerto Rico. Having the opportunity to earn our country’s first-ever World Cup qualification was electrifying. Having my college coach lead the squad I was part of felt like a rare gift.
In the end, Puerto Rico fell short of qualifying by just one goal. It was devastating in the moment, but the experience itself offered rewards that went far beyond results. As Coach Nat said: “This experience has given me a chance to build and improve a mindset that anything is possible. Anything is possible with work, organization and belief that, as a team, new achievements are on the horizon.”
Facing real adversity and pushing ourselves to limits we didn’t know we had taught us a truth that only competition at this level can reveal: Calling yourself a champion demands sacrifice, discipline and an unrelenting mindset. Despite the loss, I know I came home with something invaluable. My mindset has evolved. I now carry first-hand knowledge of the effort, focus and sheer will required to compete at the highest level. I’m grateful for the opportunity, grateful for my teammates and coaches who shared the journey, and determined to carry the lessons forward.
As I return to college, I bring with me a deeper drive and focus. The memories I created during the tournament will stay with me forever. I step into practice with clearer intentions, knowing exactly what it takes to compete with the best of the best. And when I take the field this sophomore season, I’ll do it with a fire that was lit on the world stage. Whether it’s Puerto Rico or Arizona across my chest, I play for something bigger than myself.
Bear Down, Wildcat Nation.