Each week, 12thMan.com checks in with a newcomer on the Texas A&M soccer team.
NAOTB: Leah Diaz
Texas A&M has a history of high-octane, powerful offenses. The last couple of years they have sputtered a bit. How much do you enjoy the challenge of getting the offense going again?
I will always accept a challenge. I feed off of it, so I'm just excited. We're going to work hard every day to build something special here.
Is there a soccer player you try to pattern your game after
Messi. I know it might be the obvious answer, but he's been my idol since birth.
Spring practice has been ramping up the last few weeks. What has the staff been focusing on with you?
Definitely attacking and making runs. We're working on knowing when to release the ball and make a run or when to hold off and regroup.
If you put together a scouting report on Leah Diaz, what would it say?
I would say I’m a very technical player. I can use both my left and right foot, and I’m very goal driven. I’m always ready to turn, shoot, and score. I have a strong soccer IQ, so I can create chances for other players or finish them myself.
As a forward, do you prefer playing in the middle or out on the wing?
I prefer the middle, but I can play either.
Your dad was your coach. Do you think that made things harder for you, or was it a big help?
It had its ups and downs. My dad and I used to bump heads when he was my coach, but at the end of the day, he was an amazing coach. I was lucky to have a coach like him, and I got the inside scoop. Having him as my personal trainer really helped me progress and pushed me to reach my potential.
What was the sales pitch that got you to come to Texas A&M?
Someone told me everything is better in Aggieland. So I said, “Let's go for it then. Let's find out.”
A couple months into it, what are your thoughts on Aggieland?
I've been loving it. The culture here is amazing. I feel happy.
What's going to be your first thoughts on stepping out onto Ellis Field for the first time as an A&M player?
I've actually played here before against Texas A&M in the past. But now that I'm an Aggie I'm just so pumped to get out there on the pitch. It will definitely be a much better experience with the 12th Man behind .
How helpful has it been to have six other transfers with you, going through these new experiences together?
It's been super helpful. We all relate to one another. They've been really encouraging and we are all excited about helping to build something special.
Growing up in the DFW area, how much interaction have you had with the players from North Texas?
I actually grew up playing with or against a bunch of the girls, whether it was in club soccer or high school. It's been fun to reconnect and play with them.
You played at Tulsa where Coach G played. You're from Richardson, Texas, where Coach G is from. You played at JJ Pearce High School whee Coach G played. It almost feels like this was destined to happen, right?
Some might say it was meant to be!
We actually talked about it and started laughing. We realized how crazy it was.
You were a standout at Tulsa, but decided to come back to Texas. What was it about Texas A&M that made you decide it was the right fit for you?
I was looking for a change. The second I entered the portal, I spoke with Coach G. Right off the bat, I loved his energy. Then I got to speak with the other coaches and I loved their energy as well. I appreciated what they were offering with the school, the environment, and the culture. Once I came on my visit, I fell in love with the environment here.
How does Texas A&M compare to your experience at Tulsa?
Tulsa was a much smaller campus, so coming to A&M was a huge shock. The size of the school and the campus itself took my breath away. Even though I've lived in Texas my whole life, seeing A&M up close still left me amazed.
You're coming in as a junior. What is your major and where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I'm a psychology major with a pre-med focus. In 10 years, I hope to be an OB/GYN. That means more school after undergrad, then residency and eventually becoming a doctor.