Soccer took UTRGV junior defender Aura Zeledon from Nicaragua to the United States and on to division one soccer.

Zeledon says the sport has been part of her life since she was 5. It also opened doors for her to play for Real Esteli and represent Nicaragua at international tournaments.

“Soccer has been part of me for most of my life... she says... my older brother inspired me to play and now I can’t live without it...” UTRGV Junior Defender Aura Zeledon said.

She later chose to continue her career in the United States at Motlow State Community College.

“It started as a thought and then Motlow State Community College came knocking and I took the opportunity to play at the JUCO level...” Zeledon said.

She spent two years playing JUCO in Tennessee before she made the jump to UTRGV. Zeledon says she prayed every day for a chance to play division one soccer.

“I prayed every day for the chance to play division one soccer... and now that I have it... I’m making the most of this opportunity...” Zeledon said.

Zeledon has played 13 games with the Vaqueros. She sets up her teammates through set pieces and makes key stops against wingers and forwards.

“Having a player that can do multiple things it works well for us... I think that speaks of the quality of a player that she is and also the confidence of wanting to step up in those moments...” UTRGV Women’s Soccer Head Coach Nataki Stewart said.

Next on Zeledon’s list is helping the team win championships.

“Without a doubt... every player on the team is striving for that and we’re working every day to make that a reality...” Zeledon said.