The Campus Recreation Complex (CRC) is proud to create an environment for athletes to continue their passions while in college. Sport clubs are part of the competitive sports program at the CRC, and all clubs compete inter-collegiately. These athletes work tirelessly without the promise of scholarships or the benefits of being a division 1 student-athletes. They are student-led teams that work hard to find tournaments, coaches and necessary equipment. These inspiring athletes continue to play for the love of the sport without the pomp and circumstance. CRC competitive sports intern, Emily Chang describes the following athlete as, “one of the healthiest, hardest working members on their team. She runs eight miles every day, strives to eat healthily, and always goes out of her way to help everyone on and off the field.” We are pleased to introduce you to 3rd-year business administration student, president, and captain of the women’s club soccer team, Lexy Aronson.

How long have you been playing soccer and what originally interested you in this sport?

I have been playing soccer since I was 3. I am not really sure what originally got me interested in the sport other than my parents signed me up for peewee soccer when I was young. I played club and Elite Club National League (ECNL) throughout high school along with playing on the Varsity team for my high school, Marist School. 

 

What does your training schedule look like in the on and offseason?

We have practice three times a week throughout the school year as a team. I also enjoy running and working out on my own every day in addition to practices.

 

What do you love most about soccer?

I enjoy the intensity and team aspect of the game. I like when the games get physical, and the games that I have the most fun playing are not the ones where we win 5-0. Rather, the games that we fought hard as a team and in the end came through with a win. 

 

What have been your major sport highlights/achievements?

I was chosen to be on the All-State team for Georgia my Senior year in high school. We also won the state championship my Sophomore year (runners up Senior and Junior year) in high school, and my club team made ECNL Nationals my final two years of high school. 

 

What is the greatest lesson sports have taught you?

I did not make the varsity team my freshman year in high school, and I was devastated especially because one of my best friends made it and I did not. This devastation helped me work hard on junior varsity that year in hopes of getting called up. That year my coach had me write a goal to achieve by my senior year in high school, and it was to make the All-State team, which is something that I worked hard to be able to achieve. I am not sure if I would have been as motivated as I was throughout high school if I did not feel I needed to prove myself as a player. 

 

What professional athlete do you admire most and why?

I admire Abby Wambach. I grew up watching Abby, and I was even able to meet her after one of her games vs China. She inspires me because she changed the game of soccer for women. I also admire Michael Jordan. I can relate to how he overcame not making his high school team his freshman and sophomore year. His determination is what I have tried to emulate, as he was able to prove himself throughout his career. 

 

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to go into investment banking. I interned last summer at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst. I was invited back this year to their Syndicated and Leverage Finance Investment Banking group as a summer analyst. When I get older, I can see myself as a group fitness instructor or a cake decorator. 

 

What advice do you have for anyone interested in trying soccer?

It’s not an easy sport. It is very technique based, and people develop their skills over time. It takes a lot of practice. Also, if you do not like to run I do not recommend soccer for you. With that being said, it is a great sport to make new friends because of the team aspect of the game.

 

If you are interested in learning more about the different sport clubs offered through the CRC go to crc.gatech.edu/clubs. With over 40 different clubs offered, there is something for every interest and experience level.