Photo credit- Sagebrush Photography
VYPE: What are your goals this season?
Meleah: This season my overall goal was to help my team make the playoffs. I also wanted to improve on my leadership skills by being more vocal. It’s safe to say both goals were obtained this year. For the first time since 2017 we made the playoffs with an ending record of 9-6. My leadership skills also greatly improved as I got to be a “voice” for my team this year as captain.
VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
Meleah: Soccer has taught me how to let go of my mistakes and move on. It has taught me how grit and perseverance will lead to success in the long run. Each and every day I use these morals to help improve my life for the better.
VYPE: What does your team mean to you?
Meleah: My team is my family. They’re my best friends and the people I know I can’t count on. They help me be the best version of myself and always hold me accountable. They’ve seen me on my good days and bad days, and are always willing to give a helping hand when I’m struggling. My teammates mean the world to me and I couldn’t ask for a single one of them to change.
VYPE: Who inspires you and why?
Meleah: My sister and family inspire me the most. My sister, Rachel, has shown me how hard work and kindness can help you succeed in life. My mom and dad inspire me to work hard. I want to make them proud and that’s what drives me to be the best that I can be everyday.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Meleah: Marisa Chavez has and always will leave the biggest impression on me. She is an amazing leader and is always kind. She knows how to motivate each and every person on our team in their own unique way. She’s someone you can lean on when you’re in need and will always be there for you.
VYPE: What is your favorite part about being on a team?
Meleah: I love the support and togetherness you get from everyone. The feeling of winning together and even losing. the endless laughter and special moments you get to share with one another. I love being able to connect together on one sort of wave length, so when that important play comes up we can just connect the ball seamlessly together.
VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation, where do you go and who do you take with you?
Meleah: If I could pick to go anywhere for a summer vacation I’d either go on a tour of Europe or to Beijing, China. I would bring my family and we’d have the best time. I’ve always had a love for new things and adventures.
VYPE: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Meleah: Probably the best advice I’ve received is simply to treat others how you want to be treated. This really shows your own character. If you choose to treat someone badly how does that reflect on you? You never know what someone is going through and kind words can help someone more than you know.
VYPE: Here is your chance to say hello, goodbye or thank you to anyone you wish. Meleah: I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to play soccer and my parents for always supporting me throughout my journey. I would also like to thank the Pacer soccer program and my coaches for giving me the chance to play these last 4 years. Finally, I’m sad to say goodbye to my teammates. Thank you for making my soccer career the most memorable time of my life.
