Pierce freshman scores big New Brahmas striker puts goals at the back of the net

@FelipeGamino13

It’s hard to imagine that the top scorer for the Pierce College soccer team cared little for the sport when she first tried it.

But today, freshman forward, Makayla Nichols defines herself as a passionate soccer player and now has become a team phenomenon.

The Verdugo Hills High School graduate debuted in her first game as a Brahma with four goals.

According to the California Community College Athletic Association, her overall ranking is 24th in goals and she is hoping to keep it stable or to be ranked higher.

Nichols started playing soccer when she was fi ve years old and her mom signed her up for the American Youth Soccer Organization.

-Alexis Brown Goalkeeper

At first Nichols didn’t have the vibe to play soccer.

“At first I didn’t like it, I would play but when I was taken out I told the coach that I didn’t want to go back in,” Nichols said. After her first time playing, Nichols gave soccer a rest for a year and decided to play it again and soccer started to become her favorite hobby.

Besides playing soccer she also likes playing softball, but soccer is the only sports she has passion for.

While playing for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) she has been experiencing different positions before becoming a forward.

In the past, Nichols has also played the positions of goalkeeper, defensive midfielder and center back. Of those, Nichols has proved stronger in her roles at center and defense.

“These two positions were my strengths personally. When I became forward I was very hesitant

Brahma Week of the

Sean Smith - Quarterback

Football

Did you enter the Glendale game with a different mentality?

“No, we just went over the game plan early, knew what we were going to do and went out there and did it.” at first,” Nichols said.

What are some advantages and disadvantages of playing on the road?

“The proudest moment for me was when I won the two city championships with my high school Verdugo Hills,” Nichols said.

One of her teammate, Angela Verduzco, the freshman midfielder, sees Nichols as an inspiration to the team.

“She is a cool person, and she is a team player. In her position as a forward she is not afraid to pass the ball if she needs to,” Verduzco said.

Another teammate who also sees Nichols as a great example to the team is Alexis Brown, the freshman goalkeeper.

“I like her, because she always has a great attitude, she doesn’t like to waste time, and she’s always ready to go score goals,” Brown said.

Nichols is keeping her vibe at a positive level and she is one day hoping to win a championship for not only herself but for her teammates.

“There are big disadvantages like the home team crowd, stadium, you’re not used to playing on their turf, and the long bus rides. We are lucky that going to Glendale last week wasn’t like going to Southwestern the week before because that was like a 3 hour bus.”

What will you do to improve your game going further into the season?

“My accuracy. I think I am making most of the right reads. I could get better in every aspect of that like my drop back. But mostly my accuracy and getting the ball to my recievers.”

How would you describe your experience playing with this particular team?

“I think it’s one of the best teams that I’ve been a part of in my entire life. We’re going out there and working our butts off, grinding together, and always doing our conditioning together. It’s just non stop working up there and getting our routes to perfection, my throws to perfection, our timing to perfection. It’s amazing.”

What is your favorite football team?

“Ohio State all the way.”