Most Diamond Bar High School students know Sonja Burns as one of the GLC’s for the Class of 2015. However, her status as an athlete for DBHS is not as widely known.

Part of the graduating class of 1998, Burns played volleyball and softball for her first two years, and varsity soccer for all four years. She served as the varsity captain for three years, playing the positions of center mid, stopper and defense.

Burns earned the First Team All Sierra League honors for two years, the Second Team All-Sierra League one year, and was named the Defensive MVP of the league during her senior year. During her time at DB, the team won league twice and made CIF playoffs each year, losing in the quarterfinals and once in the semifinals.

“I loved my time here playing soccer. My coach, John Hall, was phenomenal and was the best motivator ever. We [our team] were like a family. We had pasta dinners before all games and hung out together off of the field as well. We had so much fun. It was by far, my favorite part of high school,” Burns said.

Soccer also continued to be an essential part of her life throughout college. Burns received a full scholarship to play the sport at Cal State LA for four years, earning the position of captain for three years. Burns later went on to be the graduate assistant for soccer at the University of La Verne.

“My first year we were really good but we didn’t take league…I met some of my best friends there who are still my best friends today. We got to travel a lot more than you do in high school. I got to experience different college cultures and explore the different campuses where we played. [Soccer] paid for my education,” she said of her time playing soccer in college.

In colleges, Burns said she experienced more difficulties because the team did not win as often.

“I never got too down on myself. I like to be positive and stay positive through frustrating moments…we had a good time and worked hard and did our best,” Burns said.

As a DB athlete, school spirit was an important factor for Burns. She recounted her pride to wear the school colors of purple and yellow both on and off the field, as well as supporting other sports by attending all of the games. She continues to be a supporter of the school’s athletics and offers advice to current student athletes.

“Work hard in the classroom so you can play hard on the field. Enjoy every second of it because before you know it, it will be over,” Burns stated.