el Don V.93 No. 3 | Page 25

24 SPORTS SANTA ANA COLLEGE el Don/eldonnews.org • MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 COMEBACK: ROA FOUND SUPPORT FROM HER BOYFRIEND TOUGH: Roa is now battling a nagging knee sprain after recovering from ankle surgery. Continued from page 23 “He is a really good supporter because I didn’t play soccer last year due to my surgery and family issues, but he’ll go to my games when he can make it and then I’ll go to his games,” Roa said. Both have playful and approachable personalities. “I’m an African-American male so I have experience in this. Makenna has an attitude of a black woman. Her favorite word is ‘No,’ and she is so damn stubborn,” Latham said. “It takes forever for her to accept something from me. It’s nice to see her work hard for something as well so I know she’s independent but it’s like a blessing and a curse.” Off the field, Roa says she loves going to Disneyland, where she is an annual pass holder. “It’s so convenient being right there and I love going,” Roa said. “I have two pair of ears, one being giraffes.” Roa has a routine of only wearing matching socks for soccer games. She hates her freckles and says she’s a really bad online shopper. She is also a foodie, considering her teammates and herself as among the unhealthiest athletes who eat anything from sushi to Oreos. “Ally and I normally suggest going and eating,” Roa said. “After games we usually get tacos because our games are on Tuesday, so it’s Taco Tuesday. Fridays are sushi.” Considering her injuries and the visible tattoo on her leg — which she got in honor of the only grandparent involved in her life, who died of cervical cancer — strong may be an understatement when describing Roa. Getting back on the field regardless of her physical injuries shows her commitment, tenacity and love of the sport. “Makenna is awesome, she works hard and she just proves herself,” teammate Kacee Thoren said. YOUR MOMENT TO GROW IN UNEXPECTED WAYS Plant the seeds of social justice, respect for diversity, and individualism in the classroom. Master new approaches in curriculum and development theories at Pacific Oaks’ SCHOOL OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SCHOOL OF EDUCATION. Learn more at startpacificoaks.com FIRE / Through 11 games, Roa has scored three goals and assisted on another, while tallying seven points. / Diana Viera / el Don