CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago State Athletics proudly recognizes
Veronika Avila, a senior defender whose four-year career with the Cougars (2022–2026) has been defined by resilience, steady growth, and a commitment to elevating the women's soccer program. Avila concludes her collegiate career with 68 games played, 3 goals, 6 points, and 10 shots on goal, serving as a consistent and reliable presence on the back line.
Avila arrived at Chicago State with a deep love for soccer and a determination to develop both as an athlete and a person. As she prepares to graduate with a bachelor's degree in the Individualized Curriculum Program, she reflects on the moments that shaped her journey.
The most challenging part of her career, she says, wasn't a single game or season, but the daily mental and physical battles behind the scenes.
"The most challenging part of my athletic career has been overcoming the days when I was mentally and physically exhausted and showing up with as much effort as I could put that day," Avila said. "Those moments tested me more than any game or workout."
Avila embraced a mindset centered on incremental improvement, reminding herself to get better "1% every day." That discipline carried her through practices, classes, and the demands of being a student-athlete.
"Being a student-athlete helped shape who I am today," she said. "It taught me how to juggle school and athletics… how to be a better person on and off the field, and the importance of taking care of myself to perform better."
Competing at the collegiate level strengthened her passion for the sport.
"I'm going to miss competing at the collegiate level, probably for the rest of my life," Avila said. "I am competitive, and the drive to win made playing soccer that much more fun. I am also going to miss playing for something bigger than myself."
Her favorite memories come from the relationships she built over four seasons.
"I got to meet so many amazing people, and I'll forever be grateful for the friendships I made."
Avila also takes pride in the program's growth during her tenure.
"My first season as a freshman was the best season at the time, with the best records all around. And now my last collegiate season was the best season the school has ever had, and we broke those original records."
As she prepares for the next chapter, Avila hopes to leave behind a legacy rooted in leadership and progress.
"A legacy I hope to leave behind is something our captain,
Saige Thor, told me often which is to leave it better than when I found it," she said. "And I hope the foundation my teammates and I started continues, and future teams have more and more success each year."
She also emphasized the importance of self-advocacy a lesson she plans to carry forward.
"One thing I learned in college that I'll carry with me is to always advocate for myself. I learned what my strengths are and how I can use them to benefit not just me but also the people around me."
Avila plans to remain in Chicago briefly before returning home to Moreno Valley, California, where she will continue her involvement in the sport.
"I am planning on coaching soccer to the youth in the fall," she said. "No matter how much I may try, I truly cannot stay away from soccer for a long period of time, and I'm excited to take all that I've learned and put it to good use."
Chicago State Athletics celebrates Avila's contributions and the legacy she leaves behind one built on resilience, leadership, and a commitment to leaving the program stronger than she found it.
