In the heat of the game, there’s no room for hesitation—only sharp instincts and a readiness to face any challenge. Off the field, though, the intensity fades as new passions take center stage: anime, fashion, and a personal journey of self-expression that goes beyond the game.

But when the whistle blows, it’s back to the field for freshman Paige Degonia, who has found her rhythm in the high-stakes role of a stopper.

“Right now, I’m a stopper,” said freshman Paige Degonia. “I really like it because I get to be in the middle of the action. You have to be tough and always alert, and I enjoy the challenge.”

Though she’s embraced the position now, it wasn’t always easy stepping into such a demanding role as a first-year player.

“At first, being a stopper was intimidating, especially as a freshman,” Degonia admitted. “But the more I play, the more I’ve grown into it. I’ve learned how important positioning and timing are—it’s not just about being aggressive, it’s about being smart.”

Her growth on the field mirrors her journey as a teammate, too. Soccer wasn’t always a social outlet—but that’s changed over time.

“When I first started playing I didn’t like being a part of a team,” Degonia said. “Eventually I really grew to like a lot of people on my team.”

Outside of soccer, Degonia finds balance through her interests off the field. One way she unwinds is by diving into the world of anime.

“I’ve been watching anime a lot lately,” Degonia said. “It’s just something I enjoy—it helps me unwind and take my mind off school and soccer for a bit.”

She’s drawn in by more than just the action and visuals.

“Some of the stories are actually really deep,” Degonia added. “And the animation is just cool to watch—it’s way different from regular shows.”

Her creativity and personality also come through in her fashion sense and personal style.

“I like experimenting with different styles,” Degonia said. “I’d say my style is a little more conservative, I like to wear baggy clothes and hoodies.”

She’s also started expressing herself more through her hair, seeing it as another way to reflect who she is.

“Recently I’ve started doing my hair a lot more and getting into that,” Degonia shared. “Occasionally I’ll dye my hair depending on the seasons to match.”

She’s also started expressing herself more through her hair, seeing it as another way to reflect who she is. For instance, “Recently I’ve started doing my hair a lot more and getting into that,” Degonia shared. “Occasionally I’ll dye my hair depending on the seasons to match.”

In addition to her hair, makeup has become another outlet for self-expression. 

“Makeup’s just another way for me to express how I’m feeling that day. Some days I keep it simple, but other days I like to go bold and try something different.”

As she plays with her looks, she finds herself experimenting more. 

“I really enjoy playing around with different looks. It’s like experimenting with colors and styles—sometimes you find something that surprises you.”