Senior Spotlight: Lilliana Esparza

Lilliana Esparza is a senior here at Walnut Grove High School. She started on the varsity team as a midfielder.
by Ty Cameron and Jayden Barwick

Lilliana Esparza is a senior here at Walnut Grove High School. She started on the varsity team as a midfielder. She is currently a top 1000 player in the U.S. and top 125 player in the state of Georgia. Although she has chosen not to pursue soccer in college, she looks back on her time here on the soccer team. (MaxPreps)

Lilliana has been playing soccer for most of her life, “With a soccer-centered family, I got into the sport very early. It has always been a big part of my life.” Even though soccer is very big in her life, she does not wish to continue playing the sport at college. Instead she wishes to further her education at KSU. However she has had offers from other colleges, “I did in fact receive offers from colleges ranging from Illinois, Idaho, and Florida.” When asked about who she models her games after, she stated, “I try at least to model my game after my dad. My dad being 37 still has amazing foot-work, can do amazing tricks, and has great body positioning.” When asked what her favorite year was at Walnut Grove, she responded with, “I would have to say I enjoyed my junior year better. That was the year I developed a friendship with Lucie Payton and Emily Baggett.” She also stated her favorite game was her Senior Night. Even though she had a sprained ankle. 

Playing any type of sport while still in school can be tough for anybody, “I feel like many people think about quitting their sport because I certainly did. I was lacking a lot of confidence which altered how I played.” Even with this in mind, Lilliana had some inspiring words to any girls who wish to play soccer, “Do not compare yourself to your teammates. And don’t lose confidence in your own abilities if you're on the team. It’s for a reason.”

Liliana made many great memories on the Walnut Grove Soccer team. She learned how to stay confident in herself, and even got offers from some major colleges. She is now taking a step away from soccer, and is continuing her education at KSU. Her presence on and off the soccer field will be missed here at Walnut Grove.