NAOTB: Adysen Armenta
McKinzie Green, Athletics Communications
Each week, McKinzie Green of 12thMan.com checks in with a newcomer on the Texas A&M soccer team.
This week Green chats with Adysen Armenta, who has started all five matches on the backline in her rookie campaign. The freshman ranks fourth on the squad with 378 minutes on the pitch.
How different is the speed of play in college compared to high school?
"It’s a lot different because the game is much faster, physical, and more intense in college."
At what point in the recruiting process did you decide to come to Texas A&M?
“Once I visited here my junior year, I was pretty set on coming here. My dad went here and it’s close to home, so it was an easy choice.”
How was it playing in front of the 12th Man for the first time?
“It was awesome and it was such a cool environment. I’m so glad our school supports the way that it does. The fans bring such special energy to the games and it’s like no other.”
What have the coaches been working on with you for your own player development?
“My confidence and just being able to take chances. They’ve been helping me get out of my comfort zone and not be afraid to make mistakes.”
What do you think are your best soccer attributes?
"I’m fast and super fit. I’m dangerous attacking coming out of the back and I’m a good defender as well."
Who would you say is your biggest soccer inspiration?
"I could say someone like Messi, but my neighbor Chris Johnson played at UNC and she coached at Rice as well. She really got me into soccer and helped my parents guide me through this journey. She’s been really helpful and inspirational."
What are your earliest memories of playing soccer?
"I was four years old playing at the YMCA. I think I cried every single time I played and the coach had to hold my hand."
What did you like about A&M on your visit?
“The environment and the team were very welcoming. Some of the girls I had played with or known from club soccer. I really liked how everyone was so close and the school atmosphere is second to none.”
When did you realize soccer was something that you wanted to do long term?
“When I was younger, I didn’t know what college was. But once I got older and got an understanding of college, I knew that I wanted to continue my career.”
How is it playing the minutes you’re playing as a freshman?
“It’s been really cool. I’m super grateful and I don’t want to take this opportunity for granted."
What’s your favorite thing about being in Aggieland so far?
“Definitely the school environment and the 12th Man. We have the best fans in the country."
Who would you say is your biggest soccer inspiration?
“I’m a big Lionel Messi fan. He’s obviously the Greatest of All Time. Or I would say Lindsay Horan, because growing up I always thought I played like her. She’s a bigger girl who played in the midfield and she’s good at winning balls in the middle and she has a gritty attitude.”
What do you think are your best soccer attributes?
”I’m very aggressive and strong and I feel like I’m tough enough to go up against anyone one-on-one. I’m good in the air and at reading people’s habits on the team, so I get used to how I play with my teammates pretty quickly.”
How excited are you to play in front of the 12th Man?
“I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted to be an Aggie and it’s so cool that I’m getting to play the sport I love in the place that I love most. It was surreal putting on my A&M jersey for the first time.”
