BSU’s Andrea Rabanales Changing Soccer Outlook for Girls in Guatemala
October 15, 2020 | Soccer
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From limited opportunities, Rabanales has developed into one of her nation’s best
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this story examines the background of Ball State senior midfielder Andrea Rabanales. Along with other players of her generation, Rabanales is breaking barriers and paving the way for young girls in her home country of Guatemala.
Andrea Rabanales had no idea where the world's game would take her when she started kicking a ball around at recess as a young girl in Guatemala.
There was no reason for her to think much of it at the time. Soccer – while the most popular sport in her home country – was not played among her family. Even more, opportunities for girls in youth soccer there were few and far between.
But Rabanales knew she loved the game, so she pursued it however she could. And it paid off. Her passion as a child developed into a skill that led her to Guatemala's top club team, to her nation's national team and eventually here to Ball State University.
Along the way, the Cardinals senior midfielder and a generation of talented players like her have changed the nature of the game for young girls back home. Andrea Rabanales competing for the Guatemala Women's National Team
"I grew up in a culture where girls were not supposed to even play soccer, so it was a little different because I was always the only girl playing with my boy friends," Rabanales said. "Back then I was just trying to find girls so I could play with them in tournaments. During those times it was not a common thing to see."
She realized quickly she was gifted in the game because the boys would become frustrated with how well she played. She honed her skills against them until the age of 11 or 12 when finally there were enough girls to field teams.
She also had the support of her family, even though none of them played the game. It was initially a surprise to them that she had such an interest in it, but they encouraged her along the way and reinforced her belief that she was good at it.
"When I went to school, they asked me what I did at recess," Rabanales said. "I said I played soccer, and they were like, 'What?' It's not like I was used to seeing somebody play, so I think it was just a natural thing."
Rabanales ultimately developed those natural abilities to the point where she was one of the best in Guatemala. She played for the UNIFUT club team and won five straight national championships. She earned a position on the Guatemala Women's National Team, competing in CONCACAF qualifying for the 2016 Olympics and next year's Women's World Cup.
And the game led her to the United States on a soccer scholarship, first at Navarro College in Texas – where her 19 goals in two seasons drew the attention of Ball State coaches – and then on to Muncie to join the Cardinals. Rabanales helped the Cardinals tie the school record with 15 wins last season.
Rabanales first discovered the possibility of playing in college by seeing some of her Guatemalan teammates sign with universities in the U.S. and from watching a handful of college games on television. It created in her the desire to try it for herself.
"It's a great experience and a different level in a different country," she said. "It has given me more playing experience and also helped me grow as a person in a general way."
In her first year in Muncie, Rabanales helped Ball State match the school record for wins in the program's first season under head coach Josh Rife. Her senior season this fall has been postponed until the spring by the COVID-19 pandemic. When it finally kicks off in March, Ball State will be among the top contenders for a Mid-American Conference championship.
Playing for a championship-caliber team is clearly nothing new for Rabanales. She is a proven winner on the field, and she and her counterparts have paved the way for the next generation of girls in Guatemala.
The game is continuing to grow there. Girls now have more opportunities to play, Rabanales said. And she is showing them the game can take them as far as their talent and dedication.
"I am proud of that, and also I feel like I'm a privileged girl," she said. "In my country soccer for women is not too supported by people, so I think that being here is a great example to show other girls what they can do." Rabanales (second from right) with members of her family in Guatemala.
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