NP3 Student Athlete is Ready to Play for the Gators

NP3 Principal, Melissa Mori (left) and NP3 Dean, Shawn McGuire (right), takes pictures with Alyna Flores (middle).

By Isabel Penman
Co-Editor | The Pacific Times

A small ceremony was held on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at Natomas Pacific Pathway Prep High School as Alyna Flores signed a commitment to attend and play soccer for San Francisco State University.

The student athlete, Alyna Flores, is a senior at NP3 High School. She has been playing soccer for 10 years now, and currently is on the San Juan Soccer Club Elite Clubs National League team. The offer was made by San Francisco State University in early April of 2018 and officially accepted it with the celebratory signing.

“We are happy to share a part in your success by playing a role academically, but obviously this is about her accomplishments,” says Dean of NP3 High, Shawn McGuire, “We hope to help make this a proud moment for her and her family.”

Friends and family of the student met inside of the school library to watch the official signing. Many congratulatory remarks were given by both NP3 administrators and Flores’ family members and friends.

“I appreciate this school taking the time to do this,” says Flores’ father, “Talent is great, but it is a student first, then an athlete.”

With a few more heartfelt remarks from the school principal, father and best friend, the room quickly filled with emotion and excitement. Flores’ signing was followed by pictures with friends and family, as well as a short interview with a local news station.

“I think even though this school doesn’t have athletics, you can still go to this school and pursue sports,” said Flores before signing the document.

The fall of 2019, Alyna Flores will be attending San Francisco State University and playing on their National Collegiate Athletic Association Division Two soccer team.