., MI — Valentina Sanchez-Sosa Senior, Defender Valentina Sanchez-Sosa has been a part of the soccer program for every year since she has been in high school (minus 2020 covid year). She has played a variety of positions throughout her career, but has found a consistent spot as an outside defender recently. As a junior she started 7 games and bounced in and out of the lineup due to various injuries. How has the game of soccer impacted your life? “I have made many friendships because of soccer and it has brought me closer to people that I was friends with previously. Not only did I bond with them over soccer but we bonded over non sports stuff once I became closer to them.” What is your favorite thing about being involved with soccer? “My favorite thing about soccer is my teammates and the energy there is at every game. We are always excited to play. My favorite memory is the Lakewood rematch game we had my junior year where we beat them.” What other school activities are you involved in besides soccer? “I am a member of the powerlifting team, am a part of the college advisory committee at the high school, and take health occupations classes through ICCC.” Share a fun fact or two about yourself. “I partially tore my ACL during a soccer game my Junior year.” Coaches quote about Valentina: “Come to ANY Ionia Girls Soccer game and you will hear Valentina cheering on the sidelines. She is very vocal both supporting her teammates, as well as holding them accountable on the field. Valentina has had some unfortunate injuries throughout her high school soccer career but she's continued to just work hard and preserve through all of it. Valentina is a true winner and a warrior because of her commitment to work hard and willingness to fight through adversity.”