Sweat beads gleam on Mia Riddley’s face as she practices soccer outside of PAC with the rest of the MSMS soccer team.  It is the beginning of soccer season and she seems very enthusiastic about starting.

At 6, she began her career as a soccer player.  She told her mom, “I want to play soccer ball!”  

Now at 16, the Byram, MS native says she has played soccer competitively for 10 years. “My father who at at very young age as well played soccer, and he influenced me to try.” 

Mia has played soccer for the South West Jackson Recreational League, Clinton Futbol club, and Terry High School.  She has played on a team that was 2016 Mississippi Soccer Association (MSA) DII Champions and a 2016 North Texas President Cup Regional Participant.

Even though she quit soccer for a year, she came to MSMS and saw the lively soccer team and decided that she wanted to play. “After attending a non-official soccer scrimmage, I decided I wanted to play again.”, said Mia.  “When seeing all of the enthusiastic players, I remember all the fun I had playing and decided by time wasn’t up yet.”

Mia is also involved in MSMS powerlifting, MSMS robotics team, Blu Diamonds, and Astronomy Club.  With her schedule being as hectic as it is, she finds tranquility in playing soccer and going to her many clubs.

“My love for soccer continues and I truly hope I continue to play in the future.”