Last month, business administration major Avery Alves received the first-ever individual award in PUC’s Women’s Soccer as Freshman of the Year. “I was very surprised when the announcer called my name for both First Team and Freshman of the Year because our conference had some great competition,” she shared. “I am very honored to have received this award, as I would not have been able to do so without the support of my team.”

From Riverbank, CA, she visited PUC before committing, and what first drew her in was the soccer team. Avery quickly formed a strong bond with them and loved the campus. Since arriving on campus in August for preseason training, she has been the team’s goalkeeper. 

What values have you gained by being on the team? 

Some values I have gained from being on this team include the importance of a strong team bond and not taking anyone on the field for granted, as we have gone through our fair share of injuries this season and had to adapt quickly. 

How do you bond with your teammates outside of practices and games?  

I bond with my teammates outside of practices and games by always being in each other’s dorms and going to Napa or St. Helena together to run errands. 

How do you balance your time between school and sports? 

I balance my time between school and sports by keeping good communication with my professors and making sure that they are aware of my schedule so I do not fall behind in my studies. 

How has becoming a college athlete impacted your life?  

Becoming a college athlete has taught me the importance of being organized and always staying on top of my assignments, because if I don’t, it is so easy to get stressed and fall behind.  

What’s your pregame ritual? 

My pregame ritual includes listening to my chill playlist to get myself focused, eating something light like a protein bar, and always doing my hair in bubble braids. 

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Hope Solo, who was the goalkeeper for the US Women’s National Soccer Team. She was so dominant during her career with the USWNT and was an inspiration to me when I was younger, just starting as a goalkeeper. 

How has attending PUC benefited your education and future career?  

Attending PUC has benefited my education and future career as it is helping me figure out exactly what I want to do after I graduate and giving me a path to reach that. 

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers community? 

My favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers community is the staff to student ratio. It is always so easy to reach out to professors or anyone on staff. 

Can you share any advice for high school students interested in being a college athlete?  

Advice I have for high school students interested in being a college athlete is to not stress about not getting recruited right away or colleges not responding to emails. It is such a long, frustrating process, but it will always work out in the end. 

Outside of sports, what are other things you are passionate about?  

Besides sports, I am very passionate about baking and collecting music. I also love going to concerts and will always have one lined up. 

Describe your perfect weekend at PUC.  

My perfect weekend at PUC includes hanging out with some of my teammates and going on a trip to Napa to thrift and Trader Joes to get some snacks then coming back to the dorms and watching something on our projector screen.