Ari Calderon: To Play Is A Gift

This week our Goal Five player interview features Ari Calderon @ari_calderon5. Ari is a member of the Mexican Women’s National Team (Las Tri) and plays professionally in Iceland for Thor/KA.  Congrats to Ari and fellow G5 athlete Bianca Sierra who recently won the Iceland Women's League Cup and Super Cup titles.  

Goal Five Athlete: Ari Calderon (featured in the Foudy Training Top and Fast & Free Short)

Where did you grow up? 

Sacramento, California. 

How long have you been with the Mexican National Team?

 Since 2014.

How does it feel to represent Mexico at the highest level? 

Representing Mexico has been a lifelong dream of mine. I feel proud and am thankful every time I have the opportunity to step on the field.  

What is your favorite thing about Mexico?

My favorite thing about Mexico is the people. Everyone is so generous and friendly. I also really love the art. 

 What is your connection to Goal Five?

I just signed as an athlete for Goal Five and I'm really excited to work with them!  

What is your favorite piece of gear? 

The Goal Five Hoodie!

What is your favorite pre-game song to listen to? 

Come Down by Anderson Paak.

Share a story where you really grew as a person or an athlete? 

When I was in high school, my little brother suffered a traumatic brain injury in a football accident and was in a coma and hospitalized for 4 months. During this time I learned a lot about family and community. So many families came together and helped my family. When something like that happens it shows you what's really important in life and how you can't take things for granted. Getting to play is a gift. 

What do you want to see achieved in the game of soccer? 

I would really like to see soccer more accessible in lower income communities. I think there are very talented players that will get overlooked because they don't have the means to play club soccer.

If you weren't a professional athlete, what would you be?

I would be a pediatric nurse. 

Thank you to Ari for sharing her story and these incredible pictures of Iceland with us.  Goal Five is proud to sponsor athletes like Ari, who are committed to making soccer accessible to girls in all communities. Congrats to Ari and her teammates on their Iceland Women’s League Cup and Super Cup victories!