Clarke County’s Miriam Rojas Finds Her Rhythm on the Soccer Field — and in Song

The high school pitch may be where she makes her mark, but for Clarke County senior Miriam Rojas, soccer is as much about laughter, music, and inside jokes as it is about defending the net.

Where Goals and Friendships Meet

She’s not the loudest on the field. She doesn’t chase the spotlight. But 18-year-old Miriam Rojas from Bluemont, Virginia, has become a quiet force on Clarke County High School’s soccer team — the kind of player who anchors a team through grit, poise, and a love for the game that runs deeper than wins and losses.

“It’s the thrill of working as a team with all my friends,” she says with a smile, summing up why she keeps lacing up her cleats every season.

She plays defense — the kind of role that often goes unnoticed unless you mess up. But that suits Miriam just fine. “Honestly, I like being the one holding the line,” she says. “You’re the last stop before the goal. It keeps you focused.”

That focus doesn’t mean it’s all business, though. Ask her about the best moments she’s had on the field, and it’s not a big win or a dramatic save that comes up — it’s “World Cup.”

The Joy of ‘World Cup’ and the Coach They Always Pester

“World Cup” is no international tournament here. It’s a chaotic, often hilarious training game that Miriam and her teammates beg their coach to let them play. Small teams, elimination rounds, and a whole lot of yelling and laughing.

“You just get hyped,” she explains. “It always starts off messy — there’s like six teams playing at once — but as it goes on, everyone starts cheering for each other or talking trash. It’s impossible not to have fun.”

That’s also when the inside jokes start flying. The kind of stuff that makes a team feel more like a family.

Even with the competitive edge, Miriam says it’s the camaraderie that sticks with her. “We could lose a drill and still come off the field laughing.”

Cold Weather, Missed Shots, and the Embarrassment of Simplicity

Of course, not every moment on the field is easy or fun. Virginia springtime isn’t exactly gentle. Miriam remembers playing matches in bitter winds, trying to warm up numb legs and frozen toes.

“It’s so hard to get going when your fingers are stiff and your teeth are chattering,” she says. “Sometimes you just have to yell and jump around and hope it helps.”

Then there’s the simple — and often hilarious — kind of embarrassment that comes with the sport.

“Anytime I go for a shot and it just floats perfectly into the goalie’s hands,” she laughs. “It’s the worst. Like, I tried, but… yeah.”

And she’s not afraid to own it. “It’s funny now. But in the moment? Ugh.”

Music Icons at Dinner? She’s Got Her Dream Trio Ready

Miriam’s life isn’t all soccer, either. Music is a huge part of her world. Whether she’s singing in the car or humming in the hallways, tunes are always nearby.

Ask her who she’d pick for a dream dinner, and the answer comes fast.

• Frank Sinatra

• Selena Quintanilla

• Faye Webster

That’s a playlist with some soul, some heartbreak, and a whole lot of personality.

“I love all three of them — for different reasons,” she says. “Sinatra for the voice, Selena for her story and energy, and Faye because her songs just get me. I could listen to ‘Kingston’ on repeat.”

Soccer’s Just One Chapter in Her Bigger Story

Miriam is like a lot of high school seniors right now — juggling classes, college applications, and trying to enjoy every last second of a chapter that’s quickly closing. Soccer, for her, is the constant that’s grounded her through it all.

“It’s where I feel most comfortable,” she says.

That doesn’t mean she’s planning to go pro or build her life around the sport. But it’s given her a toolkit that she’ll carry far beyond the sidelines — teamwork, accountability, and maybe just enough muscle memory to keep the occasional shot from flying into a goalie’s arms.

And who knows? Maybe one day she’ll start a band, sing a little Sinatra, and write her own version of “World Cup” in song.

Table: Quick Look at Miriam Rojas