Roberts puts her name in UNA history

Besides being player and freshman of the year during her first yearin Florence and being named All-American two years in a row, Chloe Roberts showed her passion for soccer by moving half way around the world.

Roberts is originally from England, but her dream was to come to the U.S. to pursue her athletic career and to play professional soccer.

UNA soccer coach Graham Winkworth was the person who made the first part of her dream come true. Winkworth saw Roberts play when she was 15 years old and was so impressed with her raw talent that he returned to England and saw her play as an 18 year old.

Besides talent,the attribute of Roberts that impressed him was her humbleness. According to Winkworth, Roberts is a huge team player.

Since her recruitment to UNA, Roberts has earned her spot on the team. She is a leading scorer this year and has recently become the new UNA career goal-scoring leader, with a total of 66 goals.

Winkworth expects greatness from Roberts coming into this year to help the team go deep in the post-season

“I feel that she can aim to be in the top three for all time goal scorers in all NCAA divisions,” he said.”I hope that I can continue to help Chloe grow into an even better player and then help her reach her goal of playing professionally after her UNA career.”

Roberts said she has trained hard to prepare for this season in hopes of helping the team make a deep run in the post-season.

“I have faced many challenges in the way of playing the game at a quicker speed of play against great players,” she said.

Another factor that Roberts has had to adjust to is the Alabama climate, although she said that has not affected her determination.

Roberts said that moving away from home was a big challenge.

“Leaving my family at 18 was a huge step to being completely independent, and I am an only child, but moving here has been the best decision I have made,” she said.

Regarding role models, Roberts has several.

“I look up to professional players like Lionel Messi due to his sheer talent and dedication to the game, but I look up to my dad more than anyone due to him nearly turning professional, but an injury prevented him,” she said.

Roberts said her father is her inspiration.

“He has been by my side since day one, showing every bit of support and belief in me, so he is my inspiration to want to succeed,” she said.

Roberts has impressed more than just her coaches.

“She has this outgoing personality to represent the campus,” said Admissions Director Kim Mauldin.”We are always looking for students that stand out in all areas of UNA. She lives it. She lives academic excellence. She lives athletic excellence.”

Roberts offers simple advice to other aspiring athletes in hopes of achieving their goals and making a name for themselves.

“Follow your dream and never give up,” she said.