When it came time to choose a college, Pilar Flores knew exactly what she wanted.

The women's soccer student-athlete was looking for a place to play soccer and a place where she could get a master's in education.

When she came across Friends University, she knew right away this was the place for her.

"I just thought that would benefit me very much in the long run, and I knew definitely that I would want to pursue education, especially elementary education," Flores said. "When I went on my visit, I got a little bit of information about what that would look like, and I was just 100 percent sold on it and knew I wanted to go to Friends."

The people that make a difference

Flores' time at Friends University has been highly impacted by the people she's met along the way.

One of those individuals is her head coach, Brent Hobson.

"He really does care for his student-athletes," Flores said. "We're not just players or numbers on a roster. We're people, we're students, and he never hesitates to take care of us or get us anything that we need."

Flores also gives credit to Hobson's assistant coaches, Kris, Taylor, and Kieran, for making her experience as a student-athlete more enjoyable.

"They've helped better me as a player in practices, games, and off the pitch," she said. "Just getting to know them, they're all very personable and have made my experience as a student-athlete 110 times more enjoyable."

In addition to her coaches, Flores is grateful for the support she's received from Dr. Janet Eubank and Dr. Lori Moshier, two of her professors.

"They're just amazing, and they're the kindest people you'll ever meet," Flores said. "They'll do everything they can to set their students up for success. They're saying hi, they're watching our soccer games, and they're supporting us in and outside of the classroom."

Making history

One of Flores' most memorable moments came last season when the Falcons made history by winning the conference tournament and earning a spot in the NAIA National Tournament.

"My team fought so hard, and through overtime PKs, 90-plus days of practices and games, and a golden goal, we got a ring and made history," she said. "It was just so much hard work and countless early mornings. It was just a major relief, and I remember the joy I felt when we all stormed onto the field when Anahi scored the game-winning goal that got us the banner and championship shirts."

The victory was a culmination of all the hard work and dedication the team had put into the season.

"Everyone was just happy and dancing and crying, and family members were there," she added. "It was just great to see it all play out the way that it did and knowing that everyone on and off the field cheering, playing, practicing, everyone had contributed to it. We were really one team, and it was such a great memory, and I'll carry with me the rest of my life."

A lifetime of memories

Flores' time at Friends University has been filled with memorable moments and impactful people. From her coaches to her professors, she has found a supportive community that has helped her succeed both on and off the field.

As she wraps up her journey at Friends, she looks forward to making more memories and continuing to grow as a student-athlete.

Senior Day for Flores and the Falcons is set for Saturday night (Oct. 25) vs. Tabor College.