B a r o a r n d n u a
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A R O C H E ST E R L A DY L A N C E R TA L K S FA M I LY, C O M M U N I T Y & S O C C E R ! Facing Faci Fa ci adversity dv si sity ty is i nothing thin th in new for fo Rochester Roch Ro ch te Lady Lady Lancers L goalkeeper Saundra Baron, both on the soccer field and off it. Baron’s toughness and positive outlook are both impressive qualities developed in her youth while surrounded by her family, her “rock.” That’s why Baron isn’t overly stressed about the Lady Lancers’ start this season. “Obviously, I would love to be getting more wins,” Baron said. “But we’re a young team, and teams in this league are extremely strong. Girls have come back later in the season, and we don’t have our full repertoire of players. There’s still half of the season left, so there’s still time to turn it around!” Soccer has always been central to Baron’s life, something that she attributes to her parents’ Caribbean heritage. Baron’s family shared a soccer goal with their next-door neighbors, and she and her three brothers spent many hours learning the game. Baron was originally a striker; however, she changed position to goalie (where she remained) when she tried out for the Rochester Junior Rhinos. A pivotal moment in her soccer career came while she played for the Trinidad and Tobago National Team. In 2018, she
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competed eted et ed in i a World Worl Wo rld rl d Cup Cu qualifying alifyi game against the United al States, one of the best women’s soccer teams in the world. Even though her team lost to the Americans, the game ended up working out for her. “There were a few professional scouts there, and they were impressed with how I played,” Baron said. “So, I was able to get my first professional contract because of my performance.” When not playing or training for the Lady Lancers, Baron keeps herself busy coaching youth soccer. She works with the Rochester City Soccer League, primarily coaching youth soccer teams and helping young players improve their soccer abilities. Baron credited Nicole Hercules, the woman who formed the City Soccer League, with helping her get in the door, and as the biggest driving force behind this diverse league that is open to all people at no cost. “Working with the City Soccer League is really special for me,” Baron said. “It allows me to make an impression on children at a young age, and to instill a love of soccer. Also, the league is a melting pot of kids from many diversities and—as a Trinidadian—that’s really cool to see.”
