East County Athlete of the Week: Fernanda Flores

Fernanda Flores will be a senior at Lakewood Ranch High next semester and is a current Monsters lacrosse player. Monsters coach Sammy Stoltz, who also coaches the high school team, said the defenseman's talent has skyrocketed in the year and a half that she's been playing the sport. 

When did you start playing lacrosse?

A year and a half ago. I played soccer before and I wanted to try something different. 

What is the appeal to you?

The team bond. I thought it was going to be hard (to learn), but once I got into the sport, there was this instant connection with it and my teammates. 

What is your best skill?

Aggressiveness. I can get pretty heated out there. Sometimes I pick up fouls, but I'm getting better at that. 

What has been the biggest challenge?

Conditioning. I run pretty fast in games, but practice is hard. Also, I hate losing, but that's the same for everyone. 

What is your favorite food?

Tostadas. 

What is your favorite TV show?

"Law and Order: SVU."

What is your dream vacation?

Visiting my family's village in Mexico (Guanajuato). I want to go and help any way I can. I was born here, but there's still family there as well. 

What is your favorite subject?

History. Specifically law studies, because I want to go into the field of law when I'm older. 

What is your biggest fear?

Not accomplishing my goals, as well as the goals of my parents (Maria Espinoza and Armando Flores). 

What is the best advice you have received?

Don't hold back from something because of the cost. You can always find a way around it. Don't give up.

Finish this sentence: "Fernanda Flores is ... "

... Determined. I have goals, and I'm going to do them step-by-step. I want to go to college. That's the reason my mother brought her family here. I would be the first person in my family to go. I want to show the rest of my family that if I can do it, anyone can. I also want to improve as a lacrosse player as much as I can.