By Sofia Puga

As I sat down to interview Ariana Peraza, a freshman on the Lady Matadors soccer team, her teammates were beginning their workout. As they ran back in forth in front of the stands at Matador Field where we were located, Peraza's teammates cheered, smiled and shared words of encouragement each time they passed by. It's this type of team chemistry and camaraderie that help lead Peraza, a local talent from Central High School in El Centro, California, to Arizona Western College.

"The main reason I chose Arizona Western College is because it's a really strong Junior College," Peraza said. "It's ranked number two in the country, so it's super competitive and that's something I was really looking for."

During Peraza's freshman season, the Lady Matadors never dipped below the No. 2 ranking in the NJCAA Division I polls, starting with the preseason ranking all the way to the end of the season. Arizona Western has not been out of the NJCAA top five rankings since the week three polls were released on September 16th, 2024. On top of that, the Lady Matadors have appeared in back-to-back national championship games. Peraza emphasized the importance of the team's success and competitiveness.

"It's a great feeling, game after game just putting in hours of work with amazing players, you're always being tested," Peraza said. "People that play sports know that that's something you should be thriving for."

Peraza is a winger, a position where the main objective is to open space while on the line, and also confront defenders.

"Being a winger, it's like one versus one," Peraza said. "It's a constant battle throughout the entire game so it's always fun." 

If she could play any other position, Peraza would choose to be a defensive midfielder.

"I grew up playing defense," Peraza said. "So, I think it's so fun if they get a breakaway and you stop them."

Ariana is a Political Science major and aspires to pursue professional soccer. She understands the importance of an education and plans to complete her studies with sights set on becoming an attorney.

"My mom works at a district attorney's office," Peraza said. "So, she's familiar with all that, and I've always been interested in it." 

Off the field, Ariana stays active and hangs out with her teammates. She also likes to watch films and shows, with her favorite movie being Million Dollar Baby. Next to soccer, another skill the local talent possesses is juggling. 

Ariana and the Arizona Western women's soccer team are currently in the offseason. They have their last spring exhibition game on April 11th at UCSD.