Hilda Osuna of Sherman Heights, one of the nominees for the SD Flash’s Best Soccer Mom

San Diego Soccer News: SD Flash's Best Soccer Mom Contest

The all too often unsung heros of the field, the 'soccer mom' is honored and celebrated by the SD Flash. Nominate your Best Soccer Mom or Best Soccer Dad here.  Winner will be announced at the last home game of the SD Flash on July 3rd, 2011.

Best Soccer Mom Nomination: Hilda Osuna

Being a single mom can be difficult, juggling work, school, and parenting duties. Throw in being a soccer mom for your own son and two of his friends and you have the life of Hilda Osuna of Sherman Heights, one of the nominees for the SD Flash’s Best Soccer Mom. Hilda was nominated for the honor by her sister Rocio Osuna who explained she felt Hilda easily deserved to be named Best Soccer Mom. She said that she has been going along with Hilda to the numerous games for the past year, and that her sister was a true “soccer mom.”

Unlike some soccer moms and dads, Hilda never played when she was young, and her son, Eric, actually began his sports experience playing baseball. Somewhere along the way he discovered soccer and became committed to the game. “I didn’t understand soccer when he first began. I had to learn the game.” Eric began playing at age 10, along with some of his neighborhood friends and all of them have continued for the past four years. Hilda’s transformation to true soccer mom came when she noticed her son’s friends had transportation problems. “There are a couple of neighborhood kids that are into soccer and their parents aren’t able to participate or take them there, so I am their soccer mom and I take them everywhere. I call them ‘my boys.’”

Hilda’s son and friends have played with the Golden Hill Recreation Center, YMCA, and Peninsula Soccer League. She says her friends are very impressed with the time and energy she puts into the game and how she is able to work her schedule around to be there for the boys. For her it is all worth it. “I love watching them play. I’m really into the game. I’m not just like passive, I’m a screamer and they complain, but I cheer them on. I’m really into the game and watching the boys play.”

For Hilda Osuna, soccer is more than just a game for her son and his friends to play; it is a way to instill values and goals. “It’s a motivator for them to be out there instead of other stuff, because we don’t live in the best of neighborhoods. It’s important for them to be out there and do something productive and have the team spirit. So I do it for that aspect, too.” Even though dealing with the schedules can be difficult, Hilda says that there is nothing she dislikes about being a soccer mom.

Being nominated for the San Diego Flash’s Best Soccer Mom continues a family connection with the team. Jeff Praino-Miller, a member of the Flash, has been Eric’s coach on the YMCA team and they talk about how the pros are doing this season. Hilda and Eric attended the home opener and look forward to seeing more games through the season. They are excited about the Flash’s prospects of playing in the U.S. Open Cup competition.

Going forward, Hilda says that she is ready for more years of soccer with Eric. She says that his dream is to be a big-time soccer player and she supports him whole-heartedly. “I like him being in a sport because of the team attitude that he has and cooperating with others. I see him being in soccer for a very long time and me supporting him 100 percent.”

When asked about just what soccer means to her son and his friends, Hilda explained “I think it’s a great sport. It gets them active and gets them out on the field. It motivates them to play the game and teaches them about winning and losing. It’s just a great sport overall.” Definitely the attitude of a great soccer mom.

Coached by Warren Barton, SD Flash are in the NPSL and play in Westview High School on Camino Del Sur off of the 56 freeway.  The team is undefeated with 5 wins so far this season.