Fort Lewis College soccer player Gabriela Meraz-Fishbein: Leading with passion and purpose
DURANGO, Colo. — Entering her fourth season with the FLC women鈥檚 soccer team, Meraz-Fishbein has emerged as a pivotal player and leader. Her goal is clear: to help her team become a top-four team in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and contend to be an RMAC champion. 鈥淚 want to help lead the team in playing at a high level and create an environment where every player can become their best self,鈥� she says. This commitment extends beyond just winning games; it鈥檚 about making a lasting impact on her teammates and the broader soccer community in Durango.
One of the biggest challenges Meraz-Fishbein has faced is learning how to lead effectively. 鈥淟eading a team has been a significant challenge for me,鈥� she admits. To tackle this, she collaborates closely with her leadership group and coaches, developing structured plans to approach each season strategically. This proactive approach not only benefits her team but also reflects her deep understanding of what it means to be a leader.
The advice Meraz-Fishbein treasures most are simple yet profound: view your efforts as an investment rather than a sacrifice. This mindset has shaped her approach to training and competition, allowing her to stay motivated and focused on her goals. She also cherishes the camaraderie and shared goals that come with being part of a team, which she finds incredibly rewarding.
Pregame rituals are a cornerstone of her preparation. Meraz-Fishbein swears by a cup of coffee a few hours before kickoff and visualizes the game to set herself up for success. Outside of soccer, she鈥檚 a vibrant individual who enjoys the river, hanging out with friends, reading, cooking, and traveling鈥攁ctivities that bring balance and joy to her busy life.
Academically, Meraz-Fishbein is as impressive as she is on the field. She maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA while majoring in public health and minoring in nutrition and borders and languages. She also serves as the SAAC secretary and is deeply involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor. Her accolades include being a 2023 All-RMAC Second Team selection, a 2023 RMAC All-Academic First Team honoree, and a 2023 CSC Academic All-District awardee.
Being part of a team has taught Meraz-Fishbein the importance of every individual鈥檚 role. She believes that each person’s contribution is crucial to the team’s success and that everyone鈥檚 role matters. This philosophy extends to her playing experience, where she鈥檚 learned that having fun is essential. 鈥淲hen I have fun, I play my best soccer,鈥� she says, underscoring a lesson that resonates throughout her athletic career.
Gabriela Meraz-Fishbein鈥檚 journey at Fort Lewis College exemplifies the intersection of athletic excellence, academic prowess, and community involvement. Her leadership on the soccer field, combined with her dedication to personal growth and mentorship, makes her a standout role model. As she continues her collegiate career, there鈥檚 no doubt that her impact will be felt for years to come, both on the field and beyond.
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