As a “colegial,” representing our university is one of our most important goals, but representing our archipelago is a greater honor; wearing our flag colors “nos hincha el pecho.” This is the case of Ashley Rivera, a proud “Juana” and a true “CAAMpeona,” who played with the best team in the archipelago.
Originally from San Germán, this 20-year-old started playing soccer 12 years ago when her father introduced her to the game. From the start, he coached her on techniques to use, since he was a veteran in the sport. “He used to play and teach me the basics of the game,” she remembered as we watched UPRM vs. IUPI, “Clásico de Clásicos” from the sidelines. The game finished 1-1 with her being the only scorer for Colegio’s team.
“Dominating the ball.” Photo by: Huella Deportiva
After she decided to study at Colegio, she started playing soccer in her freshman year. A student from the Chemistry Department, now in her junior year, she strives for much more and is outstandingly achieving it. After the team finishing as “sub-CAAMpeonas” last season, our “Juanas” want to give it their all and win the “CAAMpeonato” in a finale that the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez (UPRM) will most likely host against “La Inter,” since they both occupy the first two spots in the league.
Not only does she wear the green and white colors proudly, she also does it with the red, blue, and white of our national flag. As a starter in our national team, she played against Mexico, Costa Rica, and the current FIFA World Champion, USA in the Pre-Olympic tournament; the highest competitive tournament Puerto Rico has ever achieved in soccer. When asked about how she got in the national team, she shared, “I went to the tryouts, gave my best, and, to my surprise, they chose me.” We can totally see why they chose her; this girl is more than passionate for soccer and she always pours her heart and all that passion for the sport when playing it.
Playing against the USA team was her dream and she achieved it. Carly Lloyd, a two time Olympic gold medallist, 2015 FIFA Golden Ball recipient, and captain of the current FIFA World Champion Team; and Ashley had to defend her. “It was intimidating, I couldn’t look at her at the eyes, I was nervous, starstruck, and in awe since the game started.” Most of us only dream about meeting our favorite player but, not Ashley, she got to stand in the same court and play against her while representing Puerto Rico.
“Ashley playing against the United States’ team.”
“To represent both my flag and my university as an athlete makes me proud; when I step into the court wearing either color, I wear them proudly and highly,” she said as the game concluded. Ashley not only represents what a “colegial” should be, but also a Puerto Rican woman who goes all out and fights for her goals while being more than proud of her and her roots.
“Selfie with the team.”
Our “Juanas” are now going to the finals against the current champions, the “Tigresas” from “La Inter,” which will be in our home court. Come with your green shirt and your cheers on Tuesday, April 12 at 3 in the afternoon to “la pista vieja” to help our “Juanas” win it all.