See more student stories See more student stories At first sight, Teresa appears every bit the great striker she is, although she confesses it wasn’t always that way. In her 11 years at Santa Teresa women’s soccer club in Badajoz, she played in a defensive position. Her coach at the time convinced her that, as she was one of the tallest players, her natural position was as a center-back. Her ability as a striker became evident when she began taking penalty kicks, soon becoming the team’s top goal scorer. When asked if she has any role models, the IE University Sports & Well-being striker doesn’t hesitate: Andrés Iniesta, who scored Spain’s winning goal at their first World Cup. “I’m a big fan of Iniesta, not only as a soccer player, but I also admire his way of life.” As for favorite teams, she insists, “I don’t support any specific team but Segoviana is in my heart.” She is of course referring to the Segovia-based team Gimnástica Segoviana CF., which currently plays in the Third Division. Teresa is an academically gifted student who is making the most of the opportunity to study at IE University. “Since I was a child, I have loved diplomacy and especially everything to do with the European Union,” she says. For family reasons, Teresa lived in Strasbourg and completed high school in Brussels. She is fluent in French and English, speaks Portuguese and is currently studying German. This mix of backgrounds has been perfect training for the program: “The double degree I study at IE University suits my interests perfectly, as we’re taught absolutely everything needed to embark on a diplomatic career.” Alongside some of her peers, Teresa has also helped develop a project focused on helping the individuals in Segovia, in collaboration with the Paladio Arte association. The IE University students carried out a series of consultancy work for the association of people with disabilities, with the aim of finding new sources of funding. They also helped them to raise awareness about their work as a Special Employment Center and theater company. The Center focuses on integrating people at risk of social exclusion, especially those with physical, mental, or sensory disabilities, at a societal and professional level. About the project, she says, “I know that many IE University students would be delighted to collaborate with associations such as Paladio Arte. After all, Segovia is the city that’s welcoming them, and many feel the need to thank Segovians for their hospitality.” Photo by Roberto Arribas