SFEA Player Profile: Fatima Waldo

San Francisco, CA- SFEA families, meet former player and current University of San Francisco Women's Soccer Player Fatima Waldo. Fatima is one of the many success stories to have come out of SFEA. 

Fatima's family roots are from Puebla, Mexico but have made South San Francisco home since her birth in 2003. Fatima is proud to be from South San Francisco, stating that she may have grown up differently than a typical City kid but she loved her childhood. She grew up on a small street with a great view of the famous South San Francisco sign and was always seen kicking the soccer ball around the neighborhood.

Fatima first came to SFEA in 2019, leaving her previous club San Bruno Lowen 83FC. She states that it was, "a great decision to make the move since college recruitment was coming soon." Fatima and her family were made part of the SFEA family immediately. Fatima says, "I had a great experience at SFEA and was able to meet amazing coaches and further my skills which prepared [me] for the new journey that was ahead." 

Fatima is one of the 70+ players that are now playing at the collegiate level post club play at SFEA. She says playing for University San Francisco was one of the easiest decisions she has had to make. Since she played at Negoesco Stadium for her club team, playing for the University of San Francisco feels like home. 

Family is an essential part of Fatima's life. She credits her parents for the club switch and her success thus far in being recruited to a D1 program. "I wouldn't be the person or player I am today without them."

University of San Francisco Women's coaches were thrilled to recruit their former player. Assistant Coach Pinder Nijjar states, "Fatima has been an unbelievable asset to this team so far this season. She has come into the squad and has adjusted very well to the NCAA Division I college level. We are so excited to see what Fatima can achieve as a Don in the future."

"In so many ways Fatima's story embodies so many of our values: Respect, excellence, perseverance, community & collaboration.  Fatima is realizing her opportunities through her own self driven hard work, dedication to her sport, perseverance through injury & she will achieve excellence due in part because of the self confidence the game has given her." said Joe Dugan, President & Executive Director at SFEA.

Fatima is proud of her roots and is celebrating Hispanic Heritage month with her family by getting together on the weekends for family dinners and playing some family pick-up soccer games when she is not traveling with the team. "I am proud of where my family comes from and I am thrilled to continue to represent my culture through the game of soccer."

When asked what she would say to young Latina girls who want to play collegiate soccer like her, Fatima says “Always work hard and strive to be better every day since I have learned that hard work always pays off."