With the regular season winding down for the spring semester, the Mingus girls soccer team seeks a playoff push.
At 5-3, the team is right in the thick of things in the Grand Canyon race.
Marauders midfielder Felecia Bueno is one of many key veterans that Mingus will rely upon as it enters the homestretch of their schedule.
Last season, Bueno led Mingus with 16 assists and placed second in goals with 12 behind Marli Urueta.
Bueno’s 42 points helped her earn 4A Grand Canyon all-region second team recognition last season.
In December, Bueno received the Mingus female athlete of the month distinction after the Marauders’ 4-0 record that month.
Bueno spoke on winning Mingus female athlete of the month and her post-high school plans.
How far would you say you have come from freshman year to now?
I think I have improved a lot this season with our new head coach. Behlow has helped me a lot and really pushed me to my limits this season. He is constantly helping me improve on the field.
Where would you say you have improved?
I think I have improved my leadership
abilities this year because Behlow has asked me to step up in that area. He asked me to be captain this season and has had me work with girls one-on-one to help as best as I can. I think I am more positive this season.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I try to remain positive as much as possible. Sometimes it is very frustrating
to repeat myself as many times as I do but I know that everyone is learning. Everyone learns at different paces so I try to support my teammates
as much as I can.
How has the season been for you?
It has been pretty good so far, I just talked to a coach in Oklahoma and I am really interested in that school. He has been watching some of our games and I am super excited about that. It could be better, we need to work a little harder and win the games we should but you cannot win them all. Our 4-2 loss to Mohave was definitely one of them but you just have to learn from the losses.
Why do you think the Marauders could make a playoff push?
We have really changed since last season. We have improved so much under Behlow that I cannot explain it. With the new coach, it is back to the basics and we have learned them and took off with them.
What are your post-high school plans?
Definitely soccer if I can while getting my degree at a four-year university. I want to major in pre-medicine and then see where I go from there. Hopefully, I can find a program with a solid coach who can get the most out of me.
How do you get yourself motivated before a game?
A good warmup is always the way to get ready for a game. Sometimes music is needed but a quick, intense warmup is a great way to get going.
What is your favorite class subject?
P.E. is my favorite class because of the weights, I just like to push my body to the limits.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is Abby Wambach. I love her and she is an amazing player. I went and saw her play for my birthday. She has always been one of my idols from the U.S. Women’s National Team. She is so inspirational for a woman to make it that far and be as progressive as she is. Alex Morgan is another one of my favorites from the Women’s National Team as she is a phenomenal player. I have always looked up to her as a forward and I actually have one of Morgan’s shirts, too.
Mingus returns to the field on Tuesday, Jan. 22, when the Marauders travel to Prescott Valley to face Bradshaw Mountain.
The Marauders’ next home game is Thursday, Jan. 24, when Mingus hosts Coconino High School.
Kickoff for both games is at 5 p.m.
Senior night for the Marauders is Thursday, Jan. 31, against Lee Williams.
