Dalia Guerrero Flores, is an undergraduate in the class of 2026 from Mexico City, majoring in Global China Studies with a track in Political Science. She is a member of the DKU Women’s Football Team and usually gravitates toward the left or right wings, bringing versatility to the team.
“Football is my lifelong love—I came back to the DKU team after a knee injury and academic pressure because I missed the game’s fulfillment, and the warm support from my coach and teammates made me never want to quit again.”
Dalia Guerrero Flores, Class of 2026
Q: What first drew you to football, and what keeps you playing, especially as a member of DKU’s team? How is your experience of football playing for DKU different from what you had before?
I have always liked sports and tried a lot of them, but ultimately football was the one that stayed with me. I started playing when I was eight in a local club, I played there on and off for almost 6 years. I would also play in my middle school and on top of that, I would sometimes go to some Sunday leagues with other teams or clubs. I don’t really remember what it was about football that drew me in, but I know that since I started playing, I haven’t stopped loving it.
Joining DKU football team is quite different from my previous experience, because it’s full of people worldwide united by football and there were language hurdles for me. However, the game itself is also a way of communicating that goes beyond language and borders, which I think is really inspiring and beautiful.
Our coach always says that our team is a “football family” and I agree. We’re really lucky to have a team with a lot of amazing people who are always enthusiastic and giving their best for the team inside and outside the field.
Q: Do you have the moment when you want to give up your football career in DKU, such as severe injuries and academic pressures, or other challenges? What kept you motivated again?
I actually stopped playing for a couple months during my fall sophomore year. I had an injury in my left knee, which combined with academic pressure and other personal challenges made me decide to stop. However, this didn’t last for long. I started playing again a couple of weeks into the spring semester and I’m really happy and grateful that I did. I came back to the team mostly because I love football, I really missed playing and the feeling of fulfillment it gives me. Apart from that, the warm welcome back and support from the coach and all of my teammates, made me realize that I was really lucky and that I didn’t want to quit again.
Q: Throughout your time with the DKU Women’s Football Team, is there a match that you’ll never forget?
I think I’ll never forget our last match of the Sino-Foreigner Cup against NYU Shanghai this past spring. It was a really tight game, but we ended up losing 2-1. I think everyone saw me crying that day. It was extremely frustrating. I felt like I had chances to equalize the game and that I could’ve played better. The sun was also really intense, and I was fasting during that month. I felt so defeated emotionally and physically, but I knew I poured my heart into the game, and I think that is what is the most important part. It’s really beautiful to love something so much that it makes you feel everything so intensely. I put in a lot of effort and hard work during that weekend and in the training leading up to it, and it really showed.
The support and comfort from my teammates and everyone around me after the game was also extremely heartwarming. My friends even got me a cake that night to make me feel better! I think that day ended up becoming, in its own bittersweet way, one of my favorite memories at DKU.
Q: Can you share a highlight from your football career at DKU that stands out the most? And in league competitions, how do you and your team adapt to intense moments like facing unknown strong opponents or tight schedules?
I think the UNNC Robin Hood Cup in Spring 2023 is definitely a highlight. In that tournament, we beat NYU Shanghai, and I remember I scored a hat-trick, and a really great goals. I think that cup was also really nice in terms of teambuilding and the atmosphere we had.
As for intense league moments, I always get nervous before one new match, especially if we are playing against a team that we’ve never played before. In moments like that I always tell myself: “You’ve done this countless times, this time is no different. Just trust yourself and what you do.” For our team, we train every week, and the games are places that hard work shows. When we face a challenge in competitions, I think the best thing we can do is to give it our best and trust all the work that has led up to that moment.
Q: How has playing football at DKU changed your daily life? Are there any traditions or unique aspects of DKU football culture that you cherish?
I think football has made my daily life much healthier. Obviously, because of the physical aspect of it, but also because it gives my life more rhythm and structure. I think football also teaches you discipline, resilience, and sacrifice.
I remember when I was barely beginning to play, there were times when I didn’t want to go to training, and I would ask my parents not to take me. They would take me anyways, and I’m really grateful they did, because I would always feel much better after. Many things in life are that way. It’s really easy to give to the hedonistic side of your mind and not concern yourself with aspirations beyond immediate pleasure, but once you put on your cleats, and get yourself to the field, even when you feel tired, even when you feel lazy, even when you don’t want to go, you start building a lot of strength that is useful for academics, friendships, and your overall personal development.
Q: Are there any traditions or unique aspects of DKU football culture that you cherish?
I think the football family extends beyond the team. Whenever we play, we’ll also have the men’s football team, our friends, and staff come to support us. I really appreciate that the DKU community is always there when we need encouragement.
I also think that the fact that my class and the previous classes have seen DKU since its beginning, when it was only Phase 1 and we were barely starting to come back after COVID, has made it very special. It’s not everyday that you get to build a team and build a football culture from zero, and it makes me very proud to see how much things have grown.
Q: Do you have a personal goal for yourself or a collective goal you hope the team can achieve in the coming year?
I think my biggest personal goal for the upcoming season is simply to enjoy it as much as I can. It’s truly a privilege to have so many amazing teammates, such a nice field, and an incredible coach so easily accessible. To make it more specific, I’m trying to get a rainbow flick recently. I’ll be extremely happy if by the end of the year I can use it at least in one game. And I also want to improve my endurance and my shooting skills, especially from the distance.
Q: If you could pass on one piece of advice to future members of the DKU Women’s Football Team—what would it be, and why?
I really like the quote: “Sports doesn’t build character, it reveals it.” Be a person that makes yourself proud when you look back on the game. Play clean and be respectful, encourage those around you, but don’t forget to stand up for yourself when you need to. Not only will you feel more accomplished when you know you’ve been a good rival and teammate, but you will also inspire those around you to be better.
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