Aerith Gomez, a freshman midfielder from West Jordan, Utah, brings a decorated high school career, strong work ethic and lifelong passion for the game to the USU Eastern soccer program. She began her high school career at Salt Lake Academy, formerly Real Salt Lake Academy, where she competed on both the varsity and junior varsity soccer teams. During her freshman season, she helped her team capture the 3A State Championship in a penalty-kick shootout. She also competed in basketball during her freshman year, picking up the sport quickly while gaining valuable experience as a member of both the varsity and junior varsity teams.
After transferring to Copper Hills High School, she spent the next three years continuing her soccer career. Due to Utah transfer rules, she was unable to compete at the varsity level as a sophomore but continued to work hard and contribute to the junior varsity team. She earned a varsity spot as a junior and helped Copper Hills advance to the State Tournament quarterfinals. As a senior, she served as a team captain and helped the team reach the quarterfinals again. She earned All-State Honorable Mention honors during both her junior and senior seasons. She also maintained a place on the Honor Roll throughout all four years of high school.
She is the eldest daughter of Nephi and Meghan Gomez and is part of a family of five children. Her love for soccer began at age five, inspired by her father, who shared his passion for the sport with his children. Nephi was a talented soccer player who once advanced to the final tryout session for Real Salt Lake before suffering an injury that ended his opportunity to join the club. He continued playing and has coached each of his five children at some point during their soccer careers. Today, she and all four of her siblings continue to play soccer.
Outside of soccer, Gomez enjoys staying active through running, hiking, playing other sports and kicking around a hacky sack. She also has a deep appreciation for nature, particularly plants, and dreams of having a garden where she can grow flowers and her own food. When she's looking for something quieter, she enjoys reading, sewing and crocheting. She also loves dancing, which gives her a creative outlet and a way to express herself.
Gomez came to USU Eastern with the goal of completing her Associate Degree in General Education. After completing her degree, she plans to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When she returns, she hopes to study plant science and pursue a career in the field. she looks forward to continuing to grow as a student-athlete while bringing her kindness, reliability and strong work ethic to the Eagles.
