Diana Flores strikes so shortly you possibly can miss her—however that might be a mistake. Flores is the captain and quarterback of the Mexico Nationwide Flag Soccer workforce, and the game’s international ambassador in partnership with the NFL and the Worldwide Federation of American Soccer. She’s competed in a number of nationwide and worldwide tournaments, successful a flurry of awards, together with 4 Nationwide Titles since 2017 and the Most Helpful Participant Award on the 2022 World Video games. 

Flores’ passions run the gamut from advocating for flag soccer to be extra widely known as an expert sport, to empowering hundreds of thousands of younger ladies with a need to defy expectations.

I at all times begin my day with… 

Music! I like to start out my day listening to one in all my favourite songs. For instance, “Don’t Cease Me Now” by Queen or “Colour Esperanza” by Diego Torres. I additionally like to start out my day with a protein banana shake.

One factor I do day-after-day is…

Say “goodnight” to my household. 

My mantra is…

“To achieve success, you should not lose focus.”

It is likely one of the fastest-growing sports activities on the earth, and that it’s extra than simply “soccer with out contact.” Flag soccer is a inventive and inclusive sport that requires not simply athleticism and velocity, but in addition psychological toughness.

My largest supply of inspiration…

Is my household and the entire little ladies I’ve been capable of meet on this journey all world wide! I wish to empower them to have a voice and to have alternatives I want I had after I was a younger athlete beginning out.

One factor that’s tough for me however that I get pleasure from is…

Being away from residence. I’m blessed that my profession permits me to journey the world, however I’m very shut with my household and it’s exhausting to be away from them.

I deal with negativity by…

Specializing in being grateful for what I’ve and the alternatives life has given me, and being conscious that life has a much bigger goal for me because it does for every of us. 

A method I keep sturdy…

Exercising day-after-day, taking dietary supplements to assist my physique get well, and spending high quality time with my family members to ensure my thoughts is as calm and completely happy as doable. 

I’m at the moment wanting ahead to… 

Being part of the Tremendous Bowl protection with Univision, taking part in on the Flag Soccer World Championship in Finland this 12 months, and representing my nation on the Olympic Video games in 2028!

Essentially the most stunning factor about me is…

I play the piano and I’m actually good at it!

I need folks to know me for…

Being a superb one who is passionate and represents ladies in sports activities and loves celebrating the greatness of my Latino neighborhood worldwide.

In 10 years, I hope to…

Assist make flag soccer an expert sport, and provides ladies everywhere in the world the chance to make a residing whereas taking part in the game we love a lot.

I outline success as…

“To me, success is making a constructive impression on the folks round you—and on the earth.”

This text initially appeared within the March/April 2024 difficulty of SUCCESS journal. Photograph courtesy of Diana Flores.

Lopez is a contract author primarily based in Hampton, Virginia.