Born and raised in Palmdale, California. Coach Arika has invested 19 years of playing soccer and seven years of coaching. She is currently coaching at California Elite Soccer Club for G10 team, G08 and G07 teams, as the head assistant coach for the Men’s and Women’s team at Antelope Valley College, as well as mentors as a personal soccer trainer for the youth. Previous coaching endeavors include assisting at the D2 college level for the California State University Dominguez Hills Women’s Soccer Team and head coaching the NAIA Women’s University of Antelope Valley Team, leading the team to their only conference championship to date.

 

Coach Arika graduated from California Polytechnic University Pomona with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and received her Master’s Degree in Coaching and Administration from Concordia University. She played three years with the Division II Broncos women’s soccer team after transferring from California State University Northridge having played two years (one redshirt) for the Division 1 Matadors women’s soccer team. Then, she transferred to Cal Poly Pomona with a full ride scholarship in soccer and was a three-year starter. While playing for the Broncos, had the opportunity to help my team get into two CCAA tournament playoff appearances in 2012 and 2015 and two NCAA tournament appearances in 2012 and in 2014 making it to the sweet sixteen quarterfinal rounds, playing for West Regional Title.  

 

Furthermore, while attending Cal Poly as a student/athlete, not only did she shine on the field, but excelled in the classroom as well.  Coach Arika received various academic awards each year for the following: 2012-2014 was on Dean’s List; 2013 was on the Presidents List; from 2013-2014 received All CCAA Academic Awards as well as NSCAA officials announcing the Broncos Women’s Soccer Team for having earned the Team Academic Award for 2013-14 academic year.