Flora Hernandez '23 Recruiting Profile

Soccer has been a big part of me, my whole life. During COVID, I tore my ACL, and lost a year of play during my rehab. Now that I am back, (since January 2022) I am eager to show my talent and compete, and make up for all the missed recruiting time. Soccer is part of who I am. Every Sunday my big crazy Mexican family spends the day on the soccer fields, and eating. I played most of my early years as the only girl on the Latino boys’ team, with boys a couple years older than me. I always had to be stronger, faster, and especially smarter on the field to keep up with the older boys. I still pick up  games on weekends in  Philly, Camden, or other Latin Leagues with my guys, to teach them a few things! They used to try to keep me on defense, so when I started playing travel soccer with club teams, I was a tough center back. Eventually I tried my skills at striker, and have been told my nose for the net is my stongest asset. I love playing striker, but also wherever my team needs me. Sometimes I'll play attacking mid, holding mid, but in small sided games like futsal or other 5v5, I defend. I am a strong and skilled play maker and work hard off the ball. 

Academically, I am a solid, hard-working student (3.61 gpa)  and I am possibly interested in health sciences, possibly a travel nurse. I want to travel, and am bilingual, and I know we need nurses, but I am still figuring it out. Part of who I am, as a member of a marginalized community, social justice and activism is important to me. Last year our city pools weren't going to open because there was a lifeguard shortage, so I became a certified lifeguard and worked at a pool in south Philly.  In the fall, some kids weren't able to play soccer games because there was a ref shortage. So now I became a grassroots referree. I want kids like me to have the same chances I have had, and want to help give them opportunities.  I hope to attend a school where I can excel and have an opportunity to give back to the community.

Thanks for taking a look at my profile.