NAOTB: Mia Scranton
Jackson Osborn, Texas A&M Athletics Communications
12thMan.com chatted with Mia Scranton, a May arrival to Texas A&M. The top defender in the spring transfer portal, she enjoyed a stellar career at Cal Baptist..
Off the pitch, how has the adjustment to Aggieland been so far?
Honestly it’s been really good. Coming from a smaller, very religious school, the culture here is quite different. It’s been a change getting used to a different pace of life and having more opportunities for social activities than I was used to before.
What’s your adjustment been like on the soccer field?
It’s definitely more competitive. The culture of the team is different. I’ve had to get used to the different leadership styles – figuring out what pushes people, what doesn’t work for them and how to help them during games.
What’s your favorite part of Aggieland so far?
The soccer aspect, it’s a more competitive environment, and I came here to be pushed. That’s exactly what the girls have been doing.
What went into the decision to go to the transfer portal?
Losing Coach Tim (Strader) at CBU (Cal Baptist) was hard. He held the team together and was a spiritual leader. I want to play soccer after college, so I had to go to a bigger school. Texas A&M was perfect for its challenging and competitive environment, and I’d get the opportunity to play for Coach Tim again.
What boxes did Texas A&M check off?
Coach Tim being here was a big one. Also, Coach G has a lot of connections for playing professionally after college. I love the Texas weather – I play better in the heat. I also like that even though it’s a big school, it’s in the Bible Belt and still has a strong religious aspect.
Growing up in California, what did you know about Texas A&M?
Honestly nothing. I never thought I’d get to play here. I actually just planned on staying in California. I just knew it was a big school.
You’ve mentioned playing for Coach Strader at CBU, what should Aggie fans know about him?
He’s a mentor both in soccer and life. He cares about you as a person more than as a player. He’s an amazing spiritual leader and more of a life coach than just a soccer coach.
As someone familiar with his defensive style, do you find yourself serving as an assistant on the field?
It helps that a lot of the girls already had a spring playing for him. For the new transfers, it’s cool to answer their questions about his defense. My freshman year it was complicated and challenging, but the girls here have picked it up quickly.
With an all-new backline for the Aggies, how’s the defense meshing?
HSince most of the team already had a spring together, they’re playing really well. Tim brought the CBU culture here, so when I arrived, it felt like home again.
What attributes do you bring to this team?
As an upperclassman, I know what it’s like to tie your identity to your sport, so I want to help people understand that God has a greater purpose. Your worth isn’t just in your sport, because that’s not eternal.
What position are you playing now and are you comfortable there?
I’m currently working as right outside back. I’m very comfortable there. I played left back at CBU, but I’m right-footed, so I do prefer the right.
Individually, what is the staff working with you on improving?
The game is faster here, so I’m working on reading the game more quickly. At CBU, I went forward a lot, so I’m learning to read when to go forward and when to drop back.
What’s your major and your future career ambition?
I’m majoring in business. After college, I want to play professional soccer and glorify God through it.
There’s a growing California presence on the A&M roster. Do the California players bring a different style?
They definitely bring something different to the team. California players tend to be athletic and technical while Texas players aggressive. Together, it makes for a very athletic and aggressive team.
When you get back to California where’s the first place you’ll eat?
Better Buzz an a local grocery store called Organic Roots.
How do you describe Texas A&M to people back home?
Very calm even with so many students. Having Tim here makes it feel like I never left CBU. The heat hasn’t been a big factor, it feels similar to California. As far as soccer, it’s competitive and pushes me past my limits, which is why I came here.
