Fresno City College sophomore Evie Juarez
FRESNO CITY COLLEGE
Fresno City College sophomore Evie Juarez has provided a lift to the Rams since last season.
She was counted on to score goals. She did that. She was counted on to support her teammates. She did that. And through it all, she kept learning, no matter how hard the coaches could be.
The former Clovis High standout knew it was for the best.
This season, she has scored 11 goals and has eight assists in helping the Rams to a 12-1-1 overall record and 8-0-1 in the Central Valley Conference.
The Bee caught up with Juarez to get her thoughts on her time at Fresno City and the season’s progress.
Question: You’ve been playing soccer at Fresno City College for two years. What are some of the things you learned?
Evie Juarez: I didn’t expect to grow so quickly. (Rams coach) Oliver (Germond) and the coaching staff challenged me constantly. Representing my Valley and being close to home. I was so grateful that I went to a two-year junior college. I felt guided, and the growth was constant. Something I needed in my life. I’m more conscious of my nutritional consumption and time management.
Q: How much have you grown playing for Coach Oliver Germond?
EJ: Coach Oliver is one of the biggest blessings in my life. I became more patient, not only with my team, but in life in general. Coach Oliver genuinely cares for each and every one of us individually. Every mistake he corrects helps me become a better player. My eating habits changed, my time management changed, and my whole perspective on the soccer world changed for me. I’m super grateful it did because I wouldn’t be where I am without his help and the coaching staff.
Q: The season has been going well for your team. How do you ladies maintain that momentum, especially in the Central Valley Conference?
EJ: This year, our mindset is to keep working on every strategy that the coaching staff has taught us. We maintain that mindset not only in practice but in every game, especially when we get the chance to play top teams. We work hard every practice and every game. We are hungry to win.
Q: What is your favorite memory playing for Fresno City College?
EJ: The first game I ever played as a Fresno City Ram was a scrimmage against Fresno Pacific, and I was very nervous. I started, and I wasn’t expecting it as a freshman. Not only did I start, but I scored a one-touch goal outside the 6-yard box. I scored my second collegiate goal outside the 18-yard box, and two goals as a freshman against a Division II school.
Q: What makes this year’s Rams team special, and what is the chemistry like among your teammates?
EJ: We all have the same goal as a team. We fight and battle each game; we have the potential and the ability to win.
Q: How do you and your teammates push each other to perform at a high level?
EJ: We reflect on our goal constantly. Every practice we give 110 percent because coaches will see you slacking and won’t play you. We have a lot of good talent on the field, and if you’re not meeting the requirements, someone else will. We battle every practice and every game for this reason. You never know what opportunity will come your way; you always have to be prepared. And that’s the mindset every one of us has coming onto this team.
The Fresno Bee
Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news/sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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