Introducing U: Bayleigh Chaviers
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Freshman midfielder Bayleigh Chaviers is one of four members of the University of Miami soccer team from a state west of the Mississippi River.
A native of Stephenville, Texas, Chaviers has already been getting used to Miami and spoke with HurricaneSports.com about what she has enjoyed so far, how the upperclassmen have been helping, her future and more . . .
Q: You’ve been here about four weeks so far. What has your experience at Miami been like?
A: It’s been really fun. The older girls really help us and have gone out [with us to] run and do things to help us improve our fitness. Classes are going well and I really like [my class on] nutrition.
Q: What is something that surprised you in a good way thus far that you weren’t expecting?
A: The older girls and how they include us in everything. They’re trying to treat us like family and just bringing us in like their little sisters.
Q: What has been the biggest adjustment you have had to make?
A: Probably being away from my family. I’m really close with them and I sometimes get homesick, but it’s understandable being a three-hour flight away.
Q: Is being away from home something that you wanted to do for college?
A: It didn’t really matter where I went, far away or close. I just wanted to go somewhere that I liked. Being away from family wasn’t a big thing.
Q: Have you decided what you want to major in and, if so, how did you determine that?
A: I decided on doing nursing because I like helping people and I really liked anatomy and biology in high school. So, I thought that nursing would be a good fit.
Q: When you think back on it, what made you know that Miami was the place for you to go to school?
A: As soon as I got here, the coaches were really awesome. They showed us around campus and I just fell in love with it. Also, the nursing program is four years and I really wanted to do something [for which] I wouldn’t have to go extra time. And then, it’s also really close to the beach and the beach is always fun [Laughter].
Q: For people who haven’t seen you play, how would you describe the type of player you are on the field?
A: I really like running with the ball [as well as] getting played the ball and running onto it. Then, I like crossing it in to forwards so that they’re able to score.
Q: How much has it helped that you’re not the only freshman here right now and you have four others who are here with you adjusting and getting acclimated at the same time?
A: It was really helpful that they all came with us and we all did the summer program because we’re all from different places and we all get along very easily. It’s just good to meet new people and know that they’re with you going through new changes, like being away from your family. So, you can talk to them [about that] or whatever problems you may have while you’re here, they’re there to help you.
Q: What are you most excited for about your future at Miami?
A: Playing soccer is obviously number one, and then also getting a nursing degree. I’m very excited about that.
Q: What do you think it will be like when you take the field the first time as a Hurricane?
A: It’s going to be exciting and [will make me] nervous at the same time, just because it’s all surreal and it’s finally here. After three years [of being verbally committed], it’s been a long wait, but I’m excited.
For more information on the University of Miami soccer team, follow @CanesFutbol.
