Merced County soccer star excited to play in college with older sister, close to home
Family has always been very important to Buhach Colony senior Alexi Ochoa.
So when it came time to choose a college, Ochoa didn’t want to move too far away from home and she was looking to join a program that had a family feel to it.
Ochoa found that in Stanislaus State.
Ochoa recently made her college choice official by signing a national letter of intent to play soccer at Stanislaus State in front of family, friends, coaches and teammates at Buhach Colony High School.
“It was just a blessing,” Ochoa said. “It was a dream come true. Everybody there has supported me the entire way. The opportunity to play at the collegiate level is just an accumulation of all the work and support I’ve received. It was a great moment.”
The Warriors program was just a perfect fit for Ochoa.
“I have a really close family,” she said. “I love my hometown and that my family is close by. My grandparents will be close. I’m far enough away that I can live my own life but I’ll still be close to home.”
Another bonus: Ochoa will get to reunite on the pitch with her older sister Ycela, who was a freshman on the Warriors women’s soccer team this past fall.
“We’ve played together our whole lives,” Alexi said. “I’m really excited that I get the chance to play with her again. I thought last year would be our last time playing together. Now we have a chance to do it all over again.”
Alexi has been a dynamic midfielder for the Thunder during her high school career. She was an all-Central California Conference first-team selection this past spring.
She’s also compiled a 4.0 GPA or higher all four years in high school. She said she’s unsure what she’ll major in at Stanislaus State.
However, she’s ecstatic for the opportunity to continue playing the sport she loves.
Alexi started playing soccer at 3 years old and she’s never stopped playing.
“I’m lucky that I loved everyone I got to play with and every team I played on has been nothing but fun,” she said. “Going to tournaments to win games and playing with friends have been great fun.”
Instantly Alexi really liked the vibe of the Warriors program and wanted to be a part of it.
“I really like how close all the coaches and players are, there really is a family atmosphere there,” she said. “I’m very excited to see what the future will bring.”
