La Voz

Issue date: 11/20/06 Section: Sports

At 5 years old Monica Agustinez was playing soccer. She began in the San Jose Police Activities League coed team and through the years, went from recreational to competitive to select leagues.

She eventually joined the California Youth Soccer League travel team. Naturally once she got to Lincoln High School she joined the team where she played varsity all four years. "I wasn't going to play after high school," says Agustinez. "but I was recruited to play at De Anza."

Lincoln high held a senior showcase where college coaches can come to scout potential players. De Anza College women's soccer coach Cheryl Owiesny saw something she liked.

Agustinez has not been playing all these years by her self, she had her twin sister playing by her side, which continues to be true at De Anza.

"It's fun being on the same team as my sister," she said " We have fun twin moments where I'll kick he ball and she'll be there to pick it up. Other teams sometimes get confused so it is a real advantage. I like always having someone on my side."

At a recent game against Cabrillo, Agustinez crossed the ball to her sister who then scored a goal with her head. The Dons beat Cabrillo(9-0) with a score of 4-0 that game. Agustines played basketball for a while but found she was stronger and had more fun with soccer.

" I like the physical aspect [of soccer] and that it's a contact sport," she said.

"Its where I really come out. I'm not shy with the team and I am more myself. I play to have fun, if I'm having fun I do better." After college Agustinez does not plan to play soccer professionally, she plans to do social work.

However, not playing professionally will not stop her from continuing to play. " I will probably play in adult league for fun," she said. "If I stop playing for too long I start to miss it."

Agustinez hopes to transfer to University of California, Santa Barbara where she said, depending on her time constraints, she will join the soccer team.

Her team made the Northern California playoffs last Saturday.

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