Some of the best stories in professional sports are those where the athlete finally gets their chance at the highest level after playing many years in the minor leagues. A local example would be San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski who made his Major League Debut last season at 28-years old. With 21 home runs, Yastrzemski tied for the team lead as a rookie.
For Fremont senior Kiara Angelito, the story of perseverance in her high school soccer career is much the same. Angelito played her first three seasons on junior varsity and was not guaranteed varsity playing time her senior year. She went out for the team anyway and became one of her coaches’ most trusted players.
Head Coach Payam Hajjarian spoke at length about what Angelito meant to the team.
“She’s a terrific young lady,” said coach Hajjarian. “She chose to try out for varsity this year knowing that if she made it, playing time would be very limited, but she tried out nonetheless. Arguably, the hardest working player out there. A true team player who was always working to improve. She came out every day with a great attitude and a smile on her face. She was a good teammate, polite, respectful, and her work ethic made up for areas she lacked. She took advantage of every playing opportunity, earning each and every one. You could count on her giving you her absolute best effort every time.”
Angelito spent most of her playing time as an outside defender, helping the Firebirds to the six shutouts they put up this season. While the team just missed out on qualifying for CCS, Angelito is proud of the way the team performed in her last year.
“We didn’t make CCS, but even though we didn’t get there, I’m definitely satisfied with the way we played,” chimed the senior. “We played hard, left everything out on the field. It was a really good season.”
While undecided on her school for next year, Angelito says she wants to study Mechanical Engineering and try to find time to play club or intramural soccer.
