The outstanding athletic journey of Ainara Yi García Martínez, a Year 13 student at Mirasur School, has been recognized with a scholarship to play for a U.S. university soccer team. Louisiana State University has chosen to support Ainara for her talent, drive, and passion for football, making her one of the most promising young athletes in the sport. Starting on July 26, she will begin an exciting new chapter in her life, fulfilling a dream she’s had since childhood.

Now a key player on the Rayo Vallecano women’s team, Ainara’s football journey began right here at Mirasur School. “I was playing football by the time I was two,” she says. Until the age of nine, she also swam competitively for the school’s swim club. “But it was during school recess that I truly fell in love with the game,” she recalls with a smile. Since then, she has played for clubs like Leganés, Madrid CF, and—since she was 14—Rayo Vallecano, where she has grown tremendously as an athlete.

An Unexpected Opportunity

The scholarship offer came during one of her matches with Rayo Vallecano. A scout in the crowd approached her after the game. “He told me he loved how I played and offered me the chance to study and play in the U.S. on a scholarship. My mom supported me from the very beginning—she’s always believed in me,” Ainara explains. Her family has played a crucial role in her journey: “I owe them so much. My mom has been my greatest supporter.”

Balancing School, Training, and Discipline

Balancing high school with a demanding athletic career isn’t easy, but Ainara has managed it with dedication and structure. “It doesn’t really interfere with my studies because I train in the evenings. After school, I go home, eat, study, and then head to training,” she says, modestly downplaying the effort it takes to maintain such a demanding routine.

Her next step will be to study Strength and Conditioning, a degree closely aligned with her future goals: “One day I’d love to work alongside my mom at her academy, Madrid Eurosocker Academy.”

Beyond Football

Although she admits she feels “a little nervous” about the international experience, what excites her most is “meeting new people.” She also knows what she’ll miss the most: “My family, my friends… and probably Spanish food,” she laughs.

Her time at Mirasur School has been key to both her personal and athletic growth. “When I was younger, they helped me believe in myself. I was one of the few girls playing football, but I always felt supported. One of my favorite memories is winning a league with the school team when I was 11—it was amazing,” she recalls proudly.

A Message to Big Dreamers

Ainara has a simple but powerful message for other students pursuing both academics and athletics:
“Believe in yourselves and give it everything you’ve got.”

At Mirasur School, we are incredibly proud of Ainara—not only for her talent, but above all, for her humility, perseverance, and commitment. We wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter of her life.