July 6, 2012

With countless hours of training and preparing, sophomore Ana Montoya is set to play on the world stage with the Colombia team. She is one of 18 players to make the roster and compete in the 2012 London Olympics.

"I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to represent Colombia," Montoya said. "As making the roster of 18 players means everything to me. It is a dream come true since I have been working for this moment since I started playing club soccer at the age of 10."

Montoya praises her trainers and coaches at the University of Arizona. They pushed her past her limit in order to get her to the next level of play.

"My coaches at the University of Arizona prepared me by always pushing me to the limit," Montoya said. "Especially during the fitness days. Their endless support to help me achieve my dream was the key to my success."

Aside from training at the Arizona facilities, Montoya devoted her time and effort in to becoming a better soccer player. A combination of taking time off of school to train and mentally preparing has helped her reach her dream of playing for Colombia.

"There is not one thing that has prepared me for making the team," Montoya said. "I took this past spring semester off and devoted myself to becoming a better soccer player. Also, becoming a student of the game by watching as much professional soccer as possible helped me prepare for tryouts."

Compared to the level of play at Arizona, Colombia will be a different intensity and speed. Montoya is prepared to apply the skills she acquired through playing at Arizona with the Colombia team.

"There is a large difference between soccer at the University of Arizona and the Colombian National team," Montoya said." At Arizona there is a large emphasis on strength and speed and the Colombian team there is an emphasis on touch on the ball and interpretation of the game. Thankfully, I am blessed to incorporate both strength and speed with the National team."