As Alief Taylor embraces a culture shift under new head coach Siham El-Bjeirmi -- a former Lady Lion herself -- one player stands ready to provide stability between the posts.
Senior goalkeeper Emily Chavez is among the returning veterans El-Bjeirmi will rely on as a pillar for the younger generation of players and help the soccer program recapture its footing.
Being a keeper naturally comes with intense pressure and responsibility, and Chavez has shown a steady aptitude for both.
When speaking with her, Chavez discusses how she approaches her role and maintains focus through the changes that Taylor hopes to bring about on the field – giving a glimpse into the mindset that has made her such a dependable figure for ATHS.
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VYPE: When did you first start playing soccer? Who or what got you involved, and what motivates you to compete?
CHAVEZ: “I was six years old when I initially got into soccer. It wasn’t long after that when I began to really understand that it was the game for me. From there, I became the goalie and I’ve just loved being in that spot since.”
VYPE: That’s a tough spot to be in, right? I say that from experience.
CHAVEZ: “Definitely. There’s plenty of pressure on a keeper during games. But, you learn how to respond to those situations and find ways to love those moments, then it gets easier.”
VYPE: What goes through your mind when you’re faced with that kind of challenge?
CHAVEZ: “I focus on the end – the way we can eventually win or what we can accomplish in the next game. You’ve got to stay positive and look on the bright side at times.”
VYPE: How has it been for you and the team to start working with a new coach? What’s been the impression so far?
CHAVEZ: “Meeting Coach (El-Bjeirmi) for the first time, I think we could all see that she brought a good vibe. We have more confidence going into the season, and there’s a better sense of how we can match up against teams in the district and go farther.”
