NAOTB: Trinity Buchanan
Thomas Dick, Texas A&M Athletics Communications
Each week, 12thMan.com checks in with a newcomer on the Texas A&M soccer team.
This week, we chatted with Trinity Buchanan, a Las Vegas native who found a soccer home in Aggieland.
If you're out there watching the game and thinking about your own playing style, how would you describe Trinity Buchanan on the field?
I think the best way to describe me is technical and creative. I feel like I’m good at finding gaps and really comfortable on the ball, able to get out of tight situations.
You’re in the midfield, right? More of a central midfielder or out on the flank? Tell us a little bit about that.
I’m an attacking midfielder. I guess you could say it’s like a false 9, right below the forward. I’ve been playing that position consistently since my time at UNLV.
You’re in the midfield, right? More of a central midfielder or out on the flank? Tell us a little bit about that.
There are multiple, and I don't want to go with the generic answer, but probably Messi. I don’t know, I’ll say Messi.
What did you know about Texas A&M before entered the portal?
I knew of them because I feel like they’re a program I’ve always looked up to in the SEC. I just didn’t think it would be a possibility to be here, but I definitely knew of them before.
What was the sales pitch that got you here?
I feel like it was just the environment and the coaching staff. When I first got to meet a couple of the players, they all seemed very warm and welcoming. This coaching staff is incredible in their own way. Alyssa’s experience in the NWSL is something I look up to, Seth has a great outlook on the field, and G being the first-ever coach here at A&M is something really cool that I wanted to be a part of.
How helpful has it been having six other transfers go through this experience with you?
It's been very helpful. Going in to a new experience with six other people makes it feel like you’re not alone. Everyone is going through the same new experiences.
You’re just exiting the eight-hours-a-week portion of the schedule, but what are some things the staff is working on with you?
We’ve been working on shooting, one-on-one abilities, and combination play. Also, just getting the offense to become more cohesive as a unit, which I think has been helpful.
Texas A&M has almost always had a really strong offense, but in the last couple of years, it has sputtered. How much do you embrace the challenge of getting it started again?
I’m really excited. I feel like it’s going to push me out of my comfort zone to be the best I can possibly be. I’ll do my best to help bring the offense back up to speed.
Out of high school, you chose to stay local. What went into your decision to enter the portal which would lead to you leaving home and go elsewhere?
I loved my old team, but I wanted to be part of a more competitive environment. It doesn’t get better than the SEC. I wanted to be part of a Power Four conference and play teams that compete for national championships and compete for SEC titles. You get used to being in a certain environment. I loved my team and appreciate my coaching staff and I still have a great relationship with all of them to this day. It was all about getting acclimated to a more competitive environment, one that is consistently playing in the tournament and even the SEC Tournament. In women’s soccer, the ACC and SEC are big conferences to be part of so I really wanted to be involved in that. Going into the transfer portal was very stressful for me. You don’t know what to expect, and you don’t even know if you’re going to get an offer. But luckily for me, Texas A&M was interested.
What was your favorite place to eat back home?
I love sushi. My favorite place was called Umaya. My dad loves that sushi spot, so as a family, we all liked to go there.
Have you found a go-to place in Aggieland yet?
No, not yet. But honestly, the Sinn Center food has been great. It has exceeded my expectations.
Area 51—what do you think is there?
Probably aliens, but I don't know. I really haven’t put any thought into it. I feel like we’re not the only beings that exist in this universe. So yes, I think there are other things out there.
What’s your major?
I’m a communication major. I was a kinesiology major in my first year at UNLV but decided it wasn’t really for me. I switched to communication and have found a lot of benefits in it.
What are your impressions of A&M, your teammates, and the soccer program.
The team has been so great. They’ve been really welcoming and made this transition very easy for me. It doesn’t feel like I’ve only been here for a couple months. It feels like time has gone by so incredibly fast. The coaches have also been great in making all of us transfers feel very comfortable. The school academically, is a very prestigious school, and it’s really helped push my boundaries both on and off the field. It’s been great.
