Interview with Liliana Flores

Liliana Flores is a junior for Centenary’s women’s soccer team and has been an enforcer since arriving on campus. 

You arrived at Centenary in the fall of 2022, and made an immediate impact, winning rookie of the year. What was it like to be in the spotlight as an underclassman?

It felt great, but I did feel a lot of pressure, especially as a freshman. I felt like I had to work harder than everybody else because of the season I was having, especially going into sophomore year. Everyone already had an image of me, so I had to perform to their standard.

Being a forward must take a lot of energy out of you; what do you do to stay conditioned so well? 

During practice and during the season, it's a lot of running. The games consist of a lot of running, but, during the off-season, I like to do my own workout. I like to go outside running, running on the treadmill. It's always running with no breaks. 

You scored three goals, recorded an assist, and had a team record of 2-0 on the week. How do you translate that performance to your matchups in the future? 

I try not to think about it as much. I don't think about it; I let my feet do the work.

As a junior, do you feel more pressure on the field now than you did as an underclassman? 

No, I think being a freshman and having those kinds of stats had a lot of pressure and, taking more of a mentor role and a leader role, it definitely lessens the pressure, but it does; it's a burden.

You are currently fourth in goals scored and fourth in points in the Atlantic East Conference. Are you aware of that, and how does it make you feel? 

Yeah, it makes me feel good; it makes me feel like I'm doing my job correctly, but, again, I don't think about it a lot. I just know I would like to stay up there. But, if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. 

What is your go-to pre-game song or go-to artist? 

Any song by Bad Bunny.

Who is/are your favorite soccer player(s)?

Lionel Messi, because he is so humble and the greatest to play the sport. 

The women’s soccer team wrapped up their season October 30th falling to Gwynedd Mercy 4-3. They finished with an overall 4-12 record.  Liliana and the team hope to have a better season next year as the star junior forward finished the season, being awarded All Atlantic East Conference First Team for her 22 points, 10 goals, and two assists.