More than a game: Soccer star Roa’s journey back to the top

Manteca High junior Joanna Roa hams it up with teammates and good friends, Makayla Spencer, Kailee Jackson and Brooklyn Cornish, during picture day. (Kal Ochoa/The Tower)

By KAILEE JACKSON 
The Tower 

It’s just a game. 

These are words that all athletes have heard, but it’s not just a game to everyone.  

Manteca High junior striker Joanna Roa has missed the whole season due to an ACL tear and damage to her meniscus that occurred during her a travel tournament in November, days before the start of her high school season.  

Roa has a deep passion for the sport and the people that have been by her side throughout. Her absence on the Manteca High girls varsity soccer team has affected almost everyone in the program, but none more than Roa herself. 

Roa had a large effect on the soccer field last year, contributing a solid number of goals to the Buffs record as a center forward. She finished with 25 goals and 11 assists in 23 games, helping to guide the Buffaloes to a share of the Valley Oak League title and a Sac-Joaquin Section Division III semifinal berth.

She also left her mark on her teammates. Brooklyn Cornish, team captain and Roa’s close friend, illustrated the impact of Roa’s friendship: “Off the field, she’s definitely made me a better friend. She’s given me support when needed and just her vibe in general makes everybody surrounding her happier.” 

Roa’s “vibe” is carried with her everywhere she goes, especially on the pitch. 

“On the field, Joanna’s effect of like positivity and happiness definitely rubs off on me,” Cornish said. “Like it makes me more excited to play, excited to be better, excited to win and she just makes everything more rewarding when she’s so happy about everything.” 

Manteca High junior Joanna Roa tries to focus on her studies. Sidelined with a major knee injury, Roa says school has becoming increasingly tougher without soccer to drive her. (Hanna Palacio/The Tower)

Roa’s love for the game is noticeable in her demeanor and the way she carries herself on the field. She’s able to bring an irreplaceable personality to those around her. Her love for soccer is exactly what makes her injury so major.  

Soccer was Roa’s reason to keep working hard and without that there are moments where she struggles to find something to work forward to. In Roa’s experience, she says there are specific things that get her through those extra hard days 

“I watch Instagram reels because my TikTok deleted and it’s banned, and I listen to music and play Minecraft and low key sometimes,” she said. “I be cryin’, I cry sometimes.” 

Although Roa’s feelings about coming to school have changed, her passion for soccer hasn’t faded. To her, the injury has made her realize her love for the game even more and is ready to come back as soon as she is allowed. She holds the things she misses close to her as a reminder. 

“Being able to be a part of a team and being someone that my team can rely on to score.” Roa states as what she missed most about playing soccer.  

Not only is Roa a reliable player but a great teammate at that.  

“Joanna is a very high energy encouraging person so when she’s off the field you definitely feel like something is missing,” says Brooklyn Cornish. 

The puzzle piece that Joanna Roa is, is exactly what brings the picture of the girl soccer team together. She provides comfort, calmness, and fun to the game. 

It has been mentioned by several people that Roa left a big mark on the Manteca High girls Soccer team and according to her, she plans on being back next year to continue doing so.  

The Tower sat down with Roa to discuss her injury and how it has affected her mentally and emotionally. 

The Tower: How long will you be out?

Joanna Roa: After surgery I’ll be out for 6-9 months.

TT: What has helped you the most while dealing with your injury?

JR: My friends and my family have helped me most while dealing with this injury.

TT: How has being away from soccer affected you?

JR: It has affected me physically, but even more mentally I tend to feel super sad sometimes not being able to play. I have nothing to look forward to at school now.