Athlete of the Month: Sabrina May
Senior Sabrina May defends the ball against an offensive striker in a match against the Bonita Bobcats.
January 27, 2016
In her earlier years, senior Sabrina May felt like Saturday soccer games were a chore. Now, the game that was once a nuisance has transformed into a passion, as May continues her fourth and final year as a varsity defender on the Diamond Bar High School girls soccer team while taking on the role of team captain.
Like most soccer players, May has been involved with the sport since a young age. May was introduced to soccer by her older sisters and has been playing the sport since she was four years old, the required age to participate in the American Youth Soccer Organization.
“When I was younger, I didn’t enjoy it as much. Now, I’m older and thinking about my last year, it’s sad,” May said. “It’s hard to think about my life without it, so I’ve grown to love [soccer] and have a passion for it.”
Before high school, May participated in AYSO to play with her friends, have fun, and stay in shape. As time went by, she slowly fell in love with the sport. She also played on multiple club teams.
In her four years of playing on varsity, May has had a fair share of stress from both school and soccer. According to May, she was able to juggle it all with the help of friends and family.
As a captain, May’s main responsibility is to lead the team and support it. One of the biggest roles is introducing new varsity players to the team.
Like everyone, new players that come to varsity are newbies, but on the field, I don’t make them feel different,” May said. “I don’t chastise them differently than any other player if they do something wrong. I treat them the same way that I’d treat a senior on the field.”
Prior to the Ayala game on Tuesday night, May has competed in 70 matches, assisted on 20 goals, and scored once.
May has also been involved in other sports. She has been a member of the school’s track team since her sophomore year, but is unsure if she will join this year’s team.
“It all depends on if I want to get a job. For me, [track] is just a good way for me to stay in shape and be with my friends,” May said.
After high school, May may play college soccer or in an adult league for recreation and exercise.
May’s focus for now is on this year’s team, and she believes this team is different from the rest.
Even with a 1-3-1 league record, she has trust in her fellow players and finds the sport to be more enjoyable with them.
“This might be the best team we have because we have no drama and everyone pretty much loves each others. Despite me hating the running we do in high school soccer, it’s alright because I’m doing it with my friends,” May said.
