BOARDMAN — Cinthya Diaz loves soccer for the rush of the fall air in her face as she dribbles the fall down the field, the feeling of netting a goal and winning a big game, and the ever-present feeling of family that she shares with her Riverside teammates.

This year, Diaz will feel the cool spring air and rain on her face as she hits the soccer field for her senior season. The Oregon School Activities Association’s decision to delay the high school fall sports season wasn’t one that surprised the three-sport Pirate, but it still hit her hard nonetheless.

“It’s hard to explain in words the way I felt,” said Diaz, 17. “When I first heard, I was completely bummed, but I also wasn’t surprised. It’s been hard to process because soccer is my favorite sport, and it sucks. Last year, I was always looking forward to having my senior nights and my senior season in general, but everything’s changed for our class.”

Not only is Diaz a starting midfielder in soccer, but she’s also a starting point guard on the basketball team and a shortstop and catcher in softball. Although she displays her strong athletic talent in each sport, she’s only experienced one complete year as a varsity Riverside athlete.

Diaz took her entire freshman year off from sports. She joined soccer her sophomore year, and made the varsity cut in basketball as a junior. She was ready to take on her junior softball season last spring until the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled it altogether.

Despite every roadblock, however, Diaz has already experienced the thrill of a state berth. She and the Riverside girls soccer team made it to the quarterfinals both her sophomore and junior seasons.

“I think becoming a starter for all three sports was a big accomplishment for me,” Diaz said. “Making it to state for soccer, and making it to the district tournament for basketball, were also amazing.”

Diaz’s leadership was quick to show on each of her teams, and it’s something that the Pirates will be relying on this year when they finally get to play again.

“She’s a tremendous athlete, and a strong leader,” Riverside head girls basketball coach Clair Costello said. “She’ll do anything you ask of her. She’s someone who her teammates will be looking to a lot this season.”

Diaz has been preparing for her senior season for months. When the state-mandated quarantine first began, she would take runs to build her endurance, and take solo trips down to the soccer field to kick the ball around. She plans to continue that training regimen in the fall, along with staying on top of her schoolwork.

“It’ll be odd playing in the spring,” she said. “The weather will be different. I just feel like it will feel so odd, and it won’t be the same experience as every other senior has had. Since our season is in the early spring, who knows what the weather will be? Last year, it was snowing in March. I also don’t know if we’ll have the same amount of games (as usual), or if there’s going to be a state tournament. There’s so many questions, and I feel like it won’t run smoothly.”

While there’s still plenty of questions that have yet to be answered, one thing is still certain — Diaz is ready to lead her team to victory once again, whether it’ll be through the spring rain, or without the promise of state playoffs, even if making another state appearance is one of her hopes for her senior season.

“My goal is to make it past the quarterfinals this year,” Diaz said. “We’ll need a lot of motivation, confidence, hard work, and effort. I’ve built a strong bond with all of my teammates and coaches. It’ll be hard saying goodbye.”

Favorite sport to play and why?

Soccer — it makes me happy just being on the field. If I’m having a bad day, being on the field helps me so much. It’s my escape.

Favorite sport to watch and why?

I like watching soccer and basketball, but I think I enjoy watching soccer more. Whether it’s just my family, our high school boys, or national teams, it’s very entertaining to me. Maybe it’s because I understand it so well or have a lot of love and passion for the game.

Favorite activity when not playing sports?

I’m always spending time at work or with my family. I work at a coffee shop. My family is very important to me, and I have three nephews who I love like they’re my own. I’m always with them.

Favorite experience in high school athletics so far?

We always make some amazing and funny memories. I always have a good time with my team, even during the hard practices or tough losses. There’s never a dull moment with my girls.

A fun fact about you that few people know?

I have astraphobia.