Gloria Rojas plays soccer as if every game were her last. Her priorities are always clear and her strategies are serious. But soccer is a place where happiness is tangible for Rojas — as tangible as the balls she traps between her gloves.
The field is, as well, a space where Rojas’s age does not matter and where she feels good about herself. Originally from Durango, Mexico, Rojas has resided in Georgia for 26 years and spends her time selling tamales and caring for her grandchildren. All this, and she still finds time to play goalkeeper for the all-female community soccer league, El Barsa, the first few months out of the year.
Her white hair immediately makes Rojas stand out from the rest of her team, which plays indoors at the Atlanta Eagles Soccer Academy, located in Doraville. That, and the fact that seemingly everyone in attendance knows who Rojas is and where she sits, patiently waiting her turn to play.
Rojas lives on Buford Highway, and like many other immigrants, she personally knows the challenges of living in a country that is not hers.
“It’s really hard for me to be an immigrant. But playing soccer here, it really makes you forget about everything else,” she said.
The game begins, and Rojas studies her opponent. Her mission: stop all the goals — the more, the better. When she is on the field, nothing exists but the ball. It is time to execute.
Once the game ends, however, after Rojas has made at least a half dozen stops, her joy is evident.
“I started playing soccer six years ago. It was because of my three daughters, who would tell me, ‘Mom, go play,’” she explained.
Rojas has even been the recipient of awards on several occasions, winning trophies and gloves. Along with other local teams, she won the Forest Park league three years ago, as well as the Copa Univision Atlanta.
In an interview with MundoHispánico during one of her games, Rojas explained that, although she does not practice, she plays soccer four times a week.
“Every time I play soccer and stop a goal, I feel really happy. It’s like I’m 15 years old. It’s a wonderful feeling that I can’t describe,” said Rojas.
She found her way to the league after she began playing goalie in Dresden Park. “I started out in what we call the first division and then the second, until I ended up here,” she said.
For her daughters, Rojas is a role model. “All of my sisters play, even the youngest. And she does it to exercise and to have fun,” said Michelle Rojas.
That pride is shared by Gloria, who firmly believes that soccer is just the medicine that many women need.
“Get out there and find a field. It’s really great to play. Get outside and play,” she encouraged.
