Athlete of the Week: Alicia Osegueda scores two goals for the Lady Zebras against Rocklin High

The Lincoln High girls' soccer team is entering the new year with a 3-3-1 record, following a 4-4 draw against Rocklin High on Dec. 29. The Lady Zebras were aided to that result by the play of sophomore Alicia Osegueda, who scored the first two goals for the team in the contest. Osegueda went on to score five goals in the Zebras' 9-1 win over Golden Sierra High on Monday night. Osegueda led the Lady Zebras last season with 14 goals. Despite missing the first few games this season due to Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) competition, she is looking to lead Lincoln High to the postseason once again. Her coach, David Zinzun, explained what makes Osegueda a special player. "Alicia is a very solid player, she is very consistent and strong up top," Zinzun said. "She fulfills my expectations every game and it starts at training. Her heart is the size of a person who is eight feet tall. She plays with passion and is a great athlete." The Lincoln News Messenger asked Osegueda some questions and her answers follow. What is the best part about playing soccer at Lincoln High School? Osegueda: "The soccer program. I started to train with Coach David (Zinzun) and his boys' team when I was only 7 years old and the boys were two to three years older than me. The discipline and respect on the field was inspiring. The best part is I have made great friends who are more like family to me." How long have you been playing soccer competitively and who/what is your biggest motivation? Osegueda: "Seven years so far and my biggest motivation is my passion and my family. They're my biggest fans and supporters who have invested so much time in me, supporting my dream." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Osegueda: "Yes. Lionel Messi, because he was always underestimated for his height, 'The smallest boy with the Biggest Dreams.'" Did any of your family members play sports and if so who and at what levels? Osegueda: "Yes. A big soccer family, my grandpa, my mom, uncle "Coach David," my aunts, my cousins, and my siblings. The soccer generation lives on." You scored two goals for the Zebras in the 4-4 draw against Rocklin High. What contributed to your solid attacking play on Thursday night in the rain? Osegueda: "I knew we were up against a tough opponent, but by pushing myself and my teammates to keep fighting even though we were down 1-3 at halftime, we were not going to finish the game without a fight and made a comeback and finished with the draw." What part of your game would you say is the strongest and then what is an area you can improve upon the most? Osegueda: "The strongest part of my game is keeping my composure while under pressure. Something that I can improve on is taking on opponents one on one more often." What are your biggest goals for the rest of your sophomore season? Osegueda: "My goal is to continue growing, to continue working on becoming stronger both mentally and physically." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Osegueda: "I played basketball and cross-country throughout elementary school. Once I started competitive soccer, I decided to focus on soccer more." What is/has been your favorite class in high school and why? Osegueda: "Spanish is my favorite class because I'm learning how to speak it fluently." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Osegueda: "Zapp & Roger." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Osegueda: "Olive Garden and fettuccine alfredo on my soccer days. Buffalo Wild Wings on my cheat days." Outside of school and playing soccer, what do you like to do in your free time? Osegueda: "Outside of soccer, spending it with family. But even on my off days, we end up at the park playing soccer. Things can get pretty competitive between me and my dad." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Osegueda: "Yes, as a project manager alongside my dad on a big electrical project." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Osegueda: "Never give up, no matter how hard things get. Always believe in yourself and never stop working. It's your story and you're writing your own story."