Q & A with Newcomer Fabiola Zamora of Soccer

It's never easy being a freshman, but it's not as bad when you're in paradise. Middle fielder Fabiola Zamora has yet to debut with the University of Hawai'i soccer team due to the season being postponed for the COVID-19 pandemic. But she's like many first-year students in Manoa, taking it in stride and trying to get used to college life while things aren't normal. Zamora recently took the time to answer a few questions about her goals and early experiences with the Rainbow Wahine soccer program.

Question: What brought you to the University of Hawai'i to play for the Rainbow Wahine soccer program?
Answer: What made the University of Hawai'i stand out in the recruiting process was the remarkable sense of family amongst the coaching staff and team, the rich culture, and, obviously, the location. Academically, I was drawn to the strength of UH's biology and public health programs.

Q: How are you handling classes so far?
A: While I am having early success with my classes, in part due to the hard work of my professors, I miss the traditional format of class. I miss the small distractions, side conversations, witty jokes from the class clown, and the general ebb and flow of a classroom. I can honestly say that I have always loved school, and the removal of its social backbone has not been easy.

Q: Since you don't have practice or games due to COVID-19, what are you doing with your free time?
A: School has been a great way to use my time during the pandemic with assignments, quizzes, papers, etc.; I also try to be as active as possible. Apart from working out and doing individual ball or strength work, I like to be outside and engage my body in activities I would otherwise not have time to explore like cycling, tennis, spikeball, and much more.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most with the team this season?
A: I am looking forward to building relationships with all of the amazing women that are part of the team and finally having pure, unfiltered fun on the soccer field. In this incredibly diverse group, I want to learn about everyone's interests, their dreams, and find a way we can all support each other during our journeys within and beyond the soccer team.

Q: What do you think about your coaches at UH? Have you got a chance to know them yet?
A: I absolutely love my coaches at UH! Despite this era of social distancing, we've been able to further develop our relationships virtually. Something that stands out to me about the coaching staff is their concern for the players as a whole, not just as athletes, which ultimately manifests into great team chemistry and culture.

Q: What goals do you hope to accomplish as a student-athlete while at UH?
A: On the field, I want to lead the team to success both in and beyond conference play. Although I still need to develop greatly as a player, I want my creativity on the ball to shine and create offensive opportunities for the team. Beyond the field, I want to maintain a high GPA and progress towards my pursuit of med school.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I love being outside: hiking, surfing, and playing sports. Beyond that, I am very passionate about politics and activism, and I enjoy listening to podcasts, participating in demonstrations, and more. Lastly, I love listening to and playing music. Fun fact: I was in the school band and can play six instruments!

Q: Is there something you really want to do while you're living in Hawai'i?
A: There are so many things; it is impossible to choose just one. I want to do literally everything I possibly can (once everything is open, of course!).

Q: What type of career would you like to pursue down the road?
A: I would like to go to med school and become a sports medicine doctor. My dream is to work with professional teams and work with the best athletes in the world and perform cutting-edge procedures and therapy and conduct research.

Q: What is one thing you really want Rainbow Wahine soccer fans to know about you?
A: One thing I really want Rainbow Wahine soccer fans to know about me is that I love watching anime, and my personal favorite in Naruto! If you have any suggestions for a new series to watch, let me know!

#HawaiiAthletics | #HawaiiWSoc

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Players Mentioned

Fabiola Zamora: MID; 5' 4"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Fabiola Zamora
: 5' 4"; Freshman
: MID