SPORTS 23
SANTA ANA COLLEGE el Don/eldonnews.org • MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015
MIDFIELDER PLAYS THROUGH INJURY
Her love of the game and a tenacious work ethic
help anthropology major Makenna Roa return to soccer
BY LAURA GARCIA / el Don
After an ankle injury forced her to take
a year-long break, sophomore midfielder Makenna Roa continues her comeback, even shrugging off a possible
MCL sprain in her left knee.
‘’I am stubborn when it comes to
sitting out of injury,” Roa said.
Roa suited up for her freshman year in
2013. In February 2014, she underwent
a successful reconstructive surgery to
repair damaged ligaments in her ankle.
No one should be playing with a knee
sprain, but love and passion keeps Roa
on the pitch.
“Even if she’s hurting she might not
tell you because that’s how much she
wants to be out there,’’ said women’s
soccer Head Coach Jaymie Baquero.
But there is more to Roa than just
playing soccer. She is in her last semester as an anthropology major. With
relatives who work in the police department, Roa has found it a natural career
choice. She is graduating with a minor
in criminal justice and wants to become
a forensics investigator.
“Away from the soccer field I think that
she is very humble, very laid back and
responsible,” said men’s soccer Head
Coach Jose Vasquez. “I know she works
a lot apart from studying and playing
WINNING WAYS
By the
numbers
6
Shots on goal
out of nine
attempted
soccer, so she’s really dedicated as far
as her own private life.” Vasquez cocoached Roa her freshman year.
Roa is Mexican, German, Irish and
Native American. She belongs to the
Blackfoot tribe of Colorado.
Her mom works at the Santa Ana
courthouse, and her dad works for the
Los Angeles Metrolink. Roa has her own
train pass. Her dad also worked for the
LAUSD and would often take
her to Skid Row to show her different
sides of life.
On the field Roa is serious, reserved
and intimidating. Off the field she
is the polar opposite — open, approachable and lively.
“When she’s around she definitely has
a presence to her. Both on the field, off
the field,” Baquero said.
Her teammates also feel the same
about her.
“She can brighten your day if you’re
feeling down. She can always find a way
to put a smile on your face and she is a
very strong independent young lady,”
defender Allyson Thoren said.
While recovering, Roa drew strength
from her boyfriend, Dons football player
Rodney Latham. The two met at a Santa
Ana College party.
Please see COMEBACK, Page 24
7
Points on
three goals
and one assist
9
Games started
out of
11 played
Jorge Campos / el Don