For four years Carly Bliss has excelled on the soccer field and in the classroom. As she prepares to graduate from San Francisco State, her experiences in the city of San Francisco have undoubtedly helped her grow as an individual and shape her dreams for the future.
The San Diego native helped lead the Gators to its first ever California Collegiate Athletic Association championships this past season. In the championship game against Cal State Los Angeles, Bliss connected on a penalty kick that allowed her team to edge the 3-2 win.
“Playing soccer has been so intense,” Bliss said. “It’s captivated my life.”
She was also named to the 2010 Daktronics NCAA Division II All Region second team as well as the All-CCAA second team. For this, Bliss credits the rest of her team.
“When I leave, I hope to keep all my friends and not lose the connections I’ve made,” Bliss said. “My teammates have been my rock.”
In her final season, Bliss was third on the team in goals and points as well as fourth in assists. As a leader on the team, it was not a role that Bliss had originally sought. It found found her.
According to Bliss, one of the best elements of soccer to her is the competition and the aggression.
“I love the thrill of competition,” Bliss said. “It gives me an adrenaline rush to slide tackle someone and get away with it.”
Off the field, Bliss is the definition of true student athlete. She has maintained honor roll status all four years and she has developed a true love for science. She has studied biochemistry over the years and she will receive her Bachelor of Science this semester.
In addition to her school work, Bliss works at the Academy of Sciences at Golden Gate Park and does research in the SF State bioorganic chemistry department. She also interns at Shanti, a nonprofit HIV and breast cancer research program. In her spare time, she also coaches soccer youths.
Bliss’ goals extend far beyond soccer. She is currently awaiting the application process of the UC San Francisco biochemistry graduate program.
