Have you ever questioned what it’s like to be a freshman on multiple Freedom High School sports teams? Ms. Maria Melara would have all the answers for you.

Melara is a freshman at Freedom who is a well-rounded athlete. She runs Cross Country, plays soccer, and runs track. Unfortunately, due to an injury to her hip, Melara had to sit out for half of this season’s soccer games.

Melara was born in Guatemala, and her family comes from South America. She claims that her Latino family has always pushed her to be her best, which is why she is active in so many sports throughout the school year.

Reflecting on her past Cross Country season, she claims that, “In the beginning it was scary because being a freshman, you really don’t know what you’re doing, if you’re doing it right, and if you’re going to be judged by the older people on the team, and also the thought of ‘Because I’m a freshman, will I be good enough, will I keep up with the top runners?’ was always in the back of my head.”

Melara added, “Fortunately enough, my teammates and my coach reassured me that I was better than where I needed to be.”

Melara is upset that she received her injury during the soccer season.

“I wish that I would have gotten injured after I finished out all of my sports activities.”

Looking ahead to the future of Cross Country, Melara hopes that next year’s season moves more efficiently than this season.

“Now that I know what I’m doing, I am very hopeful that I rank a better place in Regionals but at the same time I need to be reasonable and not get ahead of myself.”

Maria emphasized that she wants everyone to join Cross Country and soccer next year.

“Even if you’re a freshman, still come out. You never know what you’re made of until you’re put to the test.”