Since the eighth-grade, Nattaly Campos has been playing soccer. It started as a hobby her uncle introduced her to, and she hasn’t stopped playing since then.
By the time Campos enrolled at GateWay Community College, she had no idea what career she wanted to pursue, but one thing was certain, she had to play soccer.
“When anyone would ask me my major, I would say soccer,” said Campos.
At GateWay Community College Campos discovered a lot more about herself.
“The highlight of my time at GateWay was being a part of the team,” she says. “Creating a bond with the other players and enjoying the jokes and laughter we all shared was such a great experience,” she says.
But it wasn’t always easy, Campos says.
“The most difficult part was learning how to balance school, homework, games, work, and yes sleep. Even learning how to get along with people you might not always see eye to eye with was a learning experience,” she says.
More importantly, says Campos, “GateWay helped me find out where I want to go with my life.”
Coach Greg Johnson’s honesty and guidance helped her grow as a player and because of him she’ll continue her education, she says.
After graduating from GateWay Community College with an Associate of Arts in General Studies, Campos next step is transferring to the Pre-physical therapy program at Sterling College in Kansas. Campos was one of seven soccer players transferring to other colleges and Universities this fall. Community College Athletics, provides unique opportunities for students to continue their education, many times with an athletic scholarship.
Campos will play soccer at Sterling College as well. And if all works according to plan, she’ll become a professional soccer player, but if that doesn’t work out, she already has a plan.
“I want to stay in the athletics field and become a physical therapist and work with injured athletes,” she says.
So who’s Campos’ favorite soccer player, it’s Andrés Guardado, a midfielder for the Mexico national team. “I like the way he plays, the vision he has when playing.. He’s a good player. He’s not a dirty player. He doesn’t look arrogant and he plays calm and conservative,” Campos says.