Athlete of the Week: Wildcats led to Division I regional championship by Robbie Mora-Arias

Whitney High's Wildcats soccer team won its first NorCal championship in school history with a 3-1 victory over Watsonville on Saturday. The Wildcats might not have made it that far if it were not for senior forward Robbie Mora-Arias. Mora-Arias was a key player for Whitney all season but really showed his value recently, scoring five goals in the three NorCal playoff games, including one in the championship. He scored 11 goals and added 10 assists during the entire 2021-22 season. Mora-Arias will continue to play soccer at the college level as he committed to Gonzaga University last September. His coach, Joel Williams, summed up his importance on the field and what makes him special as a player. "Robbie is like a lot of the greats we have," Williams said. "He's a fighter who steps up and is willing to carry his team when they need it. His body has been hurting for a while but he has the mental toughness, focus and drive to push the pain and distractions aside and press on for that which will give us success. On top of that, he has the technical ability and physical prowess to take over games. It's cliche but there were so many times he looked and played like a man among boys." Gold Country Media asked Mora-Arias some questions. His answers follow. What was the best part about playing soccer at Whitney High School? Mora-Arias: "The friendships and memories I've made from the team." How long have you been playing soccer and who is your biggest motivation? Mora-Arias: "I've been playing soccer since I was five and my biggest motivation to play is for my parents." You scored five goals in the three state playoff games, including one in the championship. How exciting was the run made and what was your reaction when the final whistle blew in Saturday's championship game? Mora-Arias: "We are all ecstatic. When the whistle blew, we felt to ourselves, "we have finally done this, it's over.'" How and when did you get the opportunity to play at Gonzaga University? Mora-Arias: "We came in contact over the summer during the surf cup and from then on after they saw me play. We stayed in contact and here we are." How excited are you for the next chapter in your athletic career? Mora-Arias: "I'm super excited and can't wait to see what's next." What do you plan on majoring/minoring in at Gonzaga University? Mora-Arias: "I plan on majoring in business administration and minoring in computer science." Do sports run in your family? Mora-Arias: "Well, both my dad and grandfather were goalkeepers, so I started my career as a goalie and then played on the field eventually." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Mora-Arias: "I've only played soccer for my whole life." What are your biggest strengths as a player? Mora-Arias: "I think my ability to read the game." What is your favorite class/subject in school and why? Mora-Arias: "I find economics to be interesting because I plan on majoring in business." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Mora-Arias: "Lil Baby." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Mora-Arias: "I don't have a favorite restaurant but I love rice." Outside of school and sports, what do you like to do in your free time? Mora-Arias: "I like to hang out with my friends outside of school." Is there a particular job you'd like to have some day? Mora-Arias: "I'd like to play professional soccer." Do you have advice for other high school athletes? Mora-Arias: "Just keep working and keep pursuing your dreams."