Her Story
About Araceli
Araceli Velasquez serves as a high school Spanish teacher and soccer coach, bringing nearly 10 years of classroom experience and 15 years of coaching across high school, college, semi-pro, and club youth levels. She teaches Spanish 1 and AP Spanish classes and previously served as department chair. After earning her BA in psychology from San Diego Christian College, Velasquez played college soccer and competed professionally overseas in Italy and Mexico before working as a telephonic interpreter for six years and transitioning into education. She holds a National B License from U.S. Soccer, along with D and Grassroots licenses, and is a member of AATSP and the National Spanish Honor Society, where she mentored for eight years while also participating in College Board AP programs. Velasquez partners with the Pulsera Project through her school's Spanish Honor Society to support artisans in South American shelters. She attributes her success to the support of her husband and mentors, values family, faith, and meaningful connections, and advises young women entering the field to maintain a growth mindset, pursue certifications, and train athletes as whole individuals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Araceli
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from the support of my husband and my mentors who guide me through dilemmas. They help me navigate hurdles in coaching and teaching. Having people who have gone before me makes a big difference in staying grounded and growing.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Have a growth mindset and always invest in yourself by getting certifications. Train the athlete as a whole person, not just skills. Pursue what is in your heart even if others don't focus on it, because it makes the experience wholesome for the kids.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is there aren't enough female soccer coaches, especially in my area. Every course I took before the all-female B course, I was the only woman. The opportunity is the growth in women's soccer after the World Cup, with more exposure for NWSL and new professional leagues opening up for women.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family, my faith, and making meaningful connections are most important. It's about how I make people feel and creating those bonds.
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