For many athletes, their parents, family, friends, or coaches are the core aspects of what inspires them to pursue their career in a sport. However, for others like Mikayla Benavidez (12), another motivating factor is reflected by her commitment to California Baptist University: religion.
“I’m going to Cal Baptist, where I can really grow my relationship with God and also create more relationships in a new atmosphere with different people,” said Benavidez.
Benavidez is currently the captain of Ayala’s Varsity girls soccer team and has been a part of the soccer program all four years of her high school career. Even prior to the start of the Lady Bulldogs’ preseason, Benavidez had already been elected by the coaches as one of the captains.
“I don’t think there was a surprise. I don’t think there was a doubt. If you were there, you knew. That was her spot. She wasn’t letting anyone take it. It was hers,” said head coach Gabriel Ortiz…