Q&A with five-year Farmington varsity soccer player Riley Yates
FARMINGTON, N.M. — Riley Yates is among the impressive student-athletes completing their senior year and leading the way for others. Riley has been playing soccer since she was four years old and has played varsity soccer with Farmington High School since she was in eighth grade. A great accomplishment!
She has also played for the FC United Soccer Club in youth soccer and has served as team leader for both junior varsity and varsity FHS soccer teams. Riley has achieved greatness in her academics as well. She was awarded the Magnificent Matador Award at Hermosa Junior High School in 2020, has maintained All District Academic since her freshman year, and is in the top 2% of her high school.
Q&A with Riley:
What are your future personal goals with soccer?
Riley Yates: I would love to be awarded a scholarship and play college soccer. I want to take my career to a new level and play for a college team. I鈥檇 also love to mentor in youth programs as well.
What is your biggest challenge and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Yates: The biggest challenge I face sometimes is the mental toughness. In the heat of the moment, it鈥檚 not only physically tough, but the mental aspect is just as hard, if not harder. I keep control and maintain the mentality I need to by taking a breath and thinking of what I can contribute to my team by keeping a positive mentality.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Yates: The best advice I鈥檝e ever been given is to work hard through everything I do to contribute to my success. I keep this in mind for all things, from athletics to my schoolwork.
If you consistently work hard, you consistently get the results.
What do you love most about soccer?
Yates: I love all of the lifelong friendships I鈥檝e made throughout my soccer career. I鈥檓 able to get along with so many people on and off the field because I鈥檓 able to make connections I wouldn鈥檛 have made otherwise.
Do you have a pregame performance ritual you follow?
Yates: My pregame ritual involves taking a long time stretching. I feel that getting a good stretch in helps me feel better about the game, physically and mentally.
What do you like to do outside of soccer?
Yates: When I鈥檓 not playing soccer, I like to bake, cook, play games, and play pickleball. I love hanging out with my friends and family.
What has being a team member and leader taught you?
Yates: Being a team member has taught me key life skills such as being collaborative, working under pressure, and being a leader not only on the field but in every area of my life. I have been taught to lead by example so I consistently try to set the example for others.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Yates: The best advice from a coach I鈥檝e ever received is to not think you are an amazing player all the time, there is always room for improvement and great players never stop improving.
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