YUMA, Ariz. It's not an easy transition, to leave your family and country and start over in a new country. A foreign country with a different language and culture. It's a reality for many student-athletes on the campus of Arizona Western College which includes women's soccer player Yuliana Negrete Felix, a native of Tijuana, Mexico.

"It's very difficult," Negrete Felix said. "A new country, new language, and I left my family."

Yuliana, whose nickname is Yuli (Yoo-Lee) didn't let her new surroundings discourage her, in fact, she says her time at Arizona Western has been a positive one.  

"It's taught me a lot," Negrete Felix said. "I've met a lot of good people." 

Yuliana is a versatile player for the Lady Matadors women's soccer team. Her main position is defender in the left and right back, stopping attacks from the opposing team. She can also play winger. 

Negrete Felix and the Lady Matadors are coming off back-to-back national championship game appearances. Yuliana touched on her personal experience playing for a team that continues to be in the national spotlight.

"I feel amazing because it's helped me to grow too," Felix said. 

The path to her collegiate success started when she was six years old. 

"My brother started playing, and I also wanted to play," Felix said. 

Negrete Felix will wrap up her sophomore season as an Exercise and Nutrition major, with plans to transfer to New Mexico State at the NCAA DI level. 

On an off day, Yuliana goes to the gym, completes homework and hangs out with her friends. Her favorite foods are seafood and sushi. She also enjoys watching films, notably in the suspense genre.

It is currently the offseason for Yuliana and the Lady Matadors soccer team. The team has their last spring exhibition game on April 11th at UCSD.