By Megan Maharry
Sports Editor
Clarissa Hinojo, known as “Claud” to her teammates, is a senior health and sports science major. She is also a captain of the
Lady Ranger soccer team and is staring in her final season on the field.
Hinojo was born and raised in Mesquite, Texas which is just outside Dallas.
She began playing soccer when she was four years old and has loved it ever since. She began playing the position of forward.
She joined her first club team at age 11 and then switched positions to defender. She has played on the back line since and proves to be a solid link in the defensive line for the Lady Rangers.
Hinojo played both club and high school until she received the chance to take her talent to the next level at NWOSU. She said
Northwestern was the best soccer opportunity she had.
She traded the city life of Dallas for the country scene in Alva, and while she said it was a bit of an adjustment, she likes Alva.
“The community is really friendly,” Hinojo said.
Gearing up for her last season, Hinojo said her team needs to work on chemistry on the field. Her goal for the season is to make playoffs.
As playoffs was just in reach for the Lady Rangers last season, Hinojo said she thinks they should definitely make it this year.
She said she wants to have a really good season and go out with a bang.
“My favorite soccer memory is beating Harding on homecoming,” Hinojo said.
Upon graduation, Hinojo plans to return home to Dallas and either start her Master’s degree or begin her career.
She said she wants to go into personal training or a strength and conditioning coach for a soccer team.
When she decides to pursue Master, she wants to get it in kinesiology.
Her favorite part about Northwestern?
“The friendships I’ve made,” Hinojo said.