Since the age of 13, sophomore applied health major Mayra Almazan has had hopes and aspirations of playing for the Costa Rican women’s national soccer team. While playing at South Hills High School in West Covina the opportunity arose but she declined, instead deciding to enjoy every aspect of being in high school.
Last year, those hopes and aspirations finally turned into a reality as Almazan was invited to play left outside midfielder for Costa Rica. She accepted.
Almazan was born in the United States, while her parents were born in Costa Rica. This gives her dual citizenship, allowing her the opportunity to play for the Costa Rican team.
“Being able to play for Costa Rica means a lot,” Almazan said. “It really makes me humble and shows me how truly passionate the other girls are to play for their country. “
This opportunity of a lifetime has been difficult for Almazan, who described it as “different.”
“It was hard to get to know all the girls while only playing in the games,” Almazan said. “It was a little rough for them to accept me.”
While living in the United States and still playing in college, Almazan only practiced with the national team two times before taking the field in a game.
Her first taste of the international playing experience came against none other than the United States last year in Rochester, N.Y., in a friendly match, shortly after the U.S. took home gold in the London Olympics.
“That experience was unreal, especially since I was playing against players that I have admired my whole life and they had just won the gold medal,” Almazan said. “It was awesome.”
Along with playing for the Costa Rican national team, Almazan is a key contributor as an attacking midfielder for the Cougars.
Not initially recruited to play at APU out of high school, Almazan attended and played for UC Santa Barbara as a freshman. While at UCSB she appeared in 19 games, starting in eight of them and scoring one goal with two assists.
After concluding that UCSB was not the right fit for her as a soccer player, she decided to transfer to APU and reunite with her old high school coaches, a decision that she believes is for the best and also hopes will translate into success.
“I want to make a difference on the team, but I really just want the team to do well and win our conference.” Almazan said.
Head Coach Jason Surrell said Almazan brings a lot to the table for the Cougars and will make a big difference to the team.
“The biggest thing for her is her technical ability. That is really her strength,” Surrell said. “She can make any pass, make any decision with it, get off any shot. She has a unique skill level that a lot of players don’t have.”
In just a short time with the Cougars, Almazan already believes that she could not have come to a better place.
“I absolutely love it here,” Almazan said. “I love the team and everyone is so encouraging. The seniors and the captains are amazing. They do such a good job bringing the team together and bonding.”
She has also already made her presence felt on the field this season. In only four games, she is tied for team lead with three goals and two assists.
“I do have goals for myself this season, but it’s what we do as a team that matters.” Almazan said.