Cardinal Mooney | Soccer Juliana Vazquez

Add Juliana Vazquez to the latest list of girl soccer players to play college soccer from Cardinal Mooney.

The senior, who is verbally committed to play soccer at the University of Pittsburgh, had a great time playing at Mooney.

“It was a positive experience for me,” Vazquez said. “Going into high school soccer I didn’t know what to expect but my teammates and coaches were awesome.”

Vazquez after scoring After scoring 29 goals her junior year, Vazquez exploded for an Ohio-best 60 goals this past season.

“Being able to score over 100 goals (137) and one of the all-time leaders at Mooney is awesome,” she said.

Vazquez realizes her place among Mooney history.

“Ashley Cuba, Amy Vinopal and Katie Griswold. To be able to just be among that list of names is an honor,” she said.

Vazquez wouldn’t take all the credit.

“My team definitely helps a lot,” Vazquez said. “I like to think of myself as a creative player on the ball. I like to do what ever fancy moves I can on the defenders.”

Vazquez says she doesn’t have a secret for scoring so many goals.

“I think it is more of a mentality,” she said. “Just like being in the moment and being focused on getting the ball in the back of the net.”

Vazquez said her personal coach, Anthony James, for installing that mentality.

“He’s really created that attacking mentality for me,” she said.

Vazquez plays both midfield and forward and earn first team all-state in Division III for her efforts. It’s her third time receiving the award.

“It’s definitely an honor and it’s a big accomplishment to be recognized as one of the best players in the state,” she said. “I’m happy to achieve it the past three years.”

Although she will be a Panther come fall, the Mooney star will remember playing high school soccer.

“My friends and the atmosphere of it,” said Vazquez about what she will miss the most. “Playing club soccer is more intense but playing high soccer with my friends is more laid back.”