By Luz Magaña
Alia Novi is an outstanding athlete at Lowry High who has demonstrated her passion for sports throughout her career. Novi is a senior at Lowry and is a part of varsity soccer and varsity cheer, but her true passion is soccer. She is a driven student who trains for everything she wants to achieve on the field.
“Soccer has been my passion since a very young age, I have been playing soccer for 14 years and I am going to continue my passion through college,” said Novi.
Novi challenges herself both mentally and physically to achieve all her goals. When it comes to being on the field, she actively listens to her coaches who are guiding her to perform at her best. Coach Chris Entwistle pushes Novi to become the best there is on the field.
“Alia is one in a million, the perfect mix of competitiveness, tenacity, intelligence, kindness, and coachability,” said Chris Entwistle. “By the start of the season she had set a new record, and now juggles over 200 times regularly. Her mother told me that she used to have to time her when she took out the trash because everything is a competition?”
Soccer has been a part of Novi’s life for a long time as her grandfather’s passion is soccer as well. Her role model and mentor, her grandfather, has led and guided her to work hard to achieve her goals.
“My grandpa has always been my role model. He coached me up until high school and has always pushed me to be the best player I can,” said Novi.
Novi is furthering her education and continuing to play soccer at Blue Mountain Community College.
“Being able to play for a college has been a big goal of mine that is finally coming true,” said Novi. “Having a support system that has been by my side throughout my entire journey is something that I am truly grateful for”.
Novi has also been a part of Elko Indar Traveling Soccer. This team is composed of athletes around the state of Nevada who travel locally and internationally to compete in tournaments and showcases. Novi traveled to San Sabastian, Spain to compete in a tournament with others from all over the world.
“It was a great experience where I was given the opportunity to compete against some of the best players around the world,” said Novi. “I learned many different skills from my teammates and my competition while learning about the different wonders Spain has to offer.”
Novi enjoyed her last high school soccer season, although they did not have the outcome that they were hoping for, it was still an unforgettable season.
“This year we both beat Elko and made it to the playoffs,” said Novi. “We came short to South Tahoe and lost 2-1, ending our season short.”
