Woodward High School’s Reyna Baeza

Woodward High School’s Reyna Baeza has learned that believing in herself is just as important as any skill she shows in the midfield. Now a sophomore and a key part of the varsity soccer team, she credits the sport with helping her develop a mindset built on confidence and resilience.​

“My sports have taught me to be confident in everything I do,” Baeza said. “That’s not in a cocky way, if you don’t believe in yourself how will you ever succeed?” That approach shows up every time she steps in at center mid, a position she said demands both speed and constant movement. “I play center mid, I would say the hardest part is the speed and strenuous movements,” she said.​

Baeza has been playing soccer since she was 7, giving her about eight years in the game and a growing appreciation for the mental and physical demands of the sport. She said her running stamina and mindset are the areas where she has improved the most, progress that helps her cover the field and stay composed in tight spots.​

What she values most, though, is the bond she shares with her teammates. “I enjoy the communication we have, the way that we could tell other teammates what they did wrong or what they did right without being rude about it,” Baeza said. She pointed to Ava Miller as the most vocal teammate and Yadira Reyes as the funniest, voices that help keep the mood light regardless of the result. “What I love most about my team is how whether or not we win we still have fun,” she said.​

Away from the field, Baeza’s favorite subject is math, and she lists her 10th grade English teacher, Mrs. Cook, as her favorite teacher. She enjoys hanging out with friends, photography and reading, and she looks up to her mom more than anyone else. “My mom inspires me the most,” Baeza said. “She has done so much for me and my sibling and no matter what she has gotten us where we need to be without complaint. My mom is so strong and I want to do everything to make her proud.”