Ari Romero and Samantha Areman learned what it takes to overcome adversity and climb to the top in 2013. The two business majors from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration are both members of the Husker soccer team that won the Big Ten championship after going through losing seasons the past couple years.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Romero, a senior business administration major from Surprise, Ariz. “The past two years have been pretty bad but this year showed what our potential could be when everyone is working together. I believe our success came because we chose to do it for each other and focus on commitment and accountability.”
Along with winning the 2013 Big Ten Defender of the Year award, she said her most cherished memory will be that of her teammates.
“I just wanted to see them all happy because no one likes to lose. After we won the regular season and conference tournament titles it was overwhelming to share that with my teammates.”
Areman, a junior marketing major from Firth, Neb., also teams with Romero in the classroom working on group projects together. She believes their hard work also pays off in school.
Areman (left) and Romero study after dark to achieve success
“We work our class schedule around practice, training and game days,” Areman said. “A lot of times we have classes in the evening and then have to study for projects after that.”
Both Romero and Areman have been named to the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll for various semesters. They attribute their success to the academic support system including their business professors.
“The teachers are fantastic,” Areman said. “They get us enthused by bringing in professional speakers to give perspectives that add to what we’re being taught. It opens my eyes to career possibilities. Right now I’m getting interested in web design because of my marketing classes and an internship I had in the UNL admissions office.”
Romero wants to give professional soccer a chance. She comes from a rabid soccer family and played for the Mexican national soccer team this year.
“The National Women’s Soccer League just started last year,” Romero said. “They have a draft in January but there are only eight teams so I’ll have my hands full competing for those spots.”
In addition to academics and athletics both students participate in volunteer efforts such as wheelchair soccer for elementary school children, and both have served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee which helps govern issues related to student athletes on campus.
Other business majors on the Husker soccer team include Helena Ferraz a freshman marketing major from Campinas, Brazil, Caroline Gray a junior marketing major from Kansas City, Mo., Natalie Muench a freshman business administration major from Burnville, Minn. and Kelly Schatz a freshman finance major from Naperville, Ill.
Published: December 5, 2013