Marrone Suzuki is a junior midfielder for the University of San Diego Women's Soccer team. In her freshman season, she started all nine games and recorded five shots with two on target. Additionally, she was selected to attend the U20 Women's National Team Virtual Meetings. She is a great example of a college athlete who has seen success early in her career and is looking to continue it in the future. Here are her best tips to help you get on her level.

Can you tell us about your recruiting experience?

My recruiting process was unique in that my recruitment came relatively easily. Most of my recruitment came from my club team, because they played at a high-level, every showcase we went to coaches were there to recruit us. For me specifically, I knew I wanted to stay on the west coast so when I visited the University of San Diego I felt that it was the perfect fit.

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How did you adjust when you first began your college career? What surprised you?

I had previous experience living away from home before, so the transition into college went smooth. The biggest adjustment was really being fully independent, time management is the best tool to have when doing so.

Is there anything you wish you would have known going into college?

I wish I would have had a lifting coach back home. When I first came in, I was undersized and had to make up for it. Being able to train better at home would have made things easier when I first got to college.

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What do you think warranted your success and earned you so much playing time as a freshman?

Staying humble. Not being satisfied with where you are and making the time to get more practice in: in-between classes or whenever you have downtime. It makes it easier to do your job come game time.

What do you love most about being a college athlete?

I love the game of soccer and it's a large part of who I've become. Being able to play this game in a city like San Diego with great teammates like mine is something that I'm grateful for everyday.

Do you have anything to add for anyone looking to play at the next level?

Keep working hard and eventually the right school will come to you, even if you don't expect it.

Image Credit: USD Toros

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* Originally published on October 26, 2022, by Isaac Haney