by Zevan Shuster
Like many kids across America, Newfield high school senior Sierra Rosario has had dreams of playing soccer at the next level since she was a little kid. But unlike most, she has put in the work to make those dreams become a reality. And what has always driven her, and motivated her, is an undying passion for the game.
“I started playing soccer when I was 5 years old,” said Rosario. “I had seen it on tv a few time and something just really interested me. The first year was hard I got put on the wrong team and was forced to play with girls 2 and 3 years older than me. I feel as thought that made me love soccer even more because I had some goal in mind, and ever since I started playing, I wanted to be the best.”
She knows if you don’t love the game, there is simply no way you can consistently work hard at it. Additionally, on top of loving the game, she loves the feeling of being a part of a team The element of being a part of something bigger than just herself has always appealed to Rosario, and the validation she receives playing the game, is entirely unique.
“I remember first falling in love with the game when I scored my first goal,” Rosario said. “I loved the appreciation I received from my teammates, coaches and other parents. It made me feel special in a way that I never felt in the other activities I participated in.”
The joy she experiences playing soccer will be felt next season at Iona College. Her soon to be school noticed her because of not just her skill, but because of her work ethic as well. She has been committed there since her sophomore year, and both the on field and off field drew her to commit.
“It caught my eye because it fit every criteria I was looking for,” she said. “More goes into picking a school then just soccer but you want to have an even balance. I wanted to play at a high level and still get the best education so when Iona reached out to me I went to ID camps and did visits and found it was exactly what I wanted.”
As much of an accomplishment as this is for her, she knows this is just a step on a long journey. When she arrives on campus, she has to reestablish herself, and seek out news aspirations.
“My goals for the next few years is I really want to push myself,” Rosario said. “I want to see how skilled, strong, and fit I can be. I want to earn my spot next year and work my way into playing an important role to take the team to a new level. I have high hopes in making the MAAC all rookie team and bringing Iona up the ranks.”
In order for her to achieve what she envisions, staying focused, and maintaining a calm approach will help her do just that.
“My pregame mindset is relaxed. I always listen to my music and try to shut out everyone around before warming up. I think the best way to prepare yourself for a game is to picture yourself playing in it and spending that time alone envisioning exactly how you want your play to turn out,” the senior said. “I believe if I am unfocused due to the people around me or any other distractions then I cant play to my best ability.”
Rosario has plenty of inspiration on the field, and watching the success of woman whose footsteps she hopes to follow in one day, are quite the uplift for the star.
“Watching the Women’s National Team compete is one of my favorite things to do. We have such a strong group of women representing our country and each one is such an inspiration,” Rosario remarked. “My favorite players have to be Crystal Dunn and Allie Long due to the fact we have trained along the same people. I have met and trained with Allie Long because she played at the same club as I did, Albertson Soccer Club and she is truly amazing. She proved to me that these women we all aspire to be are coming from the same base as we are. It made the dream feel so much more reachable. She’s extremely talented and hard working and is the type of player I aspire to be in the future.”
And being as the Women’s World Cup Final drew 14.3 million viewers (per Business Insider), Rosario’s feelings are surely widespread. While the United States National Women’s Soccer Team helps drive her on the field, her sister is her rock away from the pitch.
“I have to say I admire my sister more than anyone else. She’s one of the strongest women I know and keeps me going when things are hard,” she said.
The key message from her sister is almost assuredly one she’ll never forget: “She’s proven to me that if you follow your dreams, do what you love and surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you than you can achieve anything and enjoy doing it.”
