Alana Zaharako

My name is Alana Paz Zaharako, although my middle name means 'peace' in Spanish, being on the field can sometimes be anything, but that. I am a 2027 recruit based in Denver, CO. My favorite thing about soccer is that it's not always linear, just like in life, there will be a curve ball when you least expect it, and your preparation shows the second you step on that field. I love being a part of a team, motivating each other when times get tough, holding teammates accountable, and battling it out until the 90th minute. I love feeling the flame that ignites under my heels, when I'm blazing down the field, on high alert, making a run, or scoring a goal.

Some things I pride myself in are definitely #1 being coachable and staying accountable. I care about how I show up for the people around me. I also pride myself in being passionate; I know every game isn't going to be my best. Having this passion and sentimentality can be a challenge, but on the other side of the spectrum, the fire keeps me pushing. We can all be our own worst critic at times, but I remember in those moments it’s a reflection that I care. Lastly, I pride myself in having fun. There have been periods of my career that have felt harder than others. I have had times where I felt out of shape, unskilled, and doubtful of myself; all I wanted was to have fun. Now that I feel myself having fun, I appreciate the girl that didn't. That girl grew confidence through repetition, and built the skills it takes to push through hard moments on and off the field.

When my cleats are off, I work hard in school. I speak Spanish as my mom is an immigrant from Colombia. I love expanding on my creativity and practicing self care. I have been consistent with my grades over my high school career, pushing through some of the hardest classes I've taken so far. All strengthening my studying skills, dealing with large workloads, and communcating with teachers.

When I think of college, I think of living a soccer and academic career that will be irreplaceable and unforgettable. I want to be a part of a team that pushes me to be compassionate, constructive, and leading by example, on and off the field. I see myself at a college close by home in Colorado, or along the East Coast. I love the outdoors and rich culture, I hope to be as close to those qualities as I can in college. Some majors I have been thinking of looking into are psychology branches like counseling psychology and child developmental psychology.