When most freshmen arrive on campus, they must adjust to balancing their classes and social lives. For Biola's newest recruit, freshman midfielder and business major Adrielle Salvador, her path to the Eagles started on the other side of the Pacific, shaped by years of competition in the Philippines. Now Salvador is stepping onto
Al Barbour Field for the next chapter in her life.
While Salvador was a student at William S. Hart High School and playing for the
LAFC Socal women's club back in 2022, she was scouted, marking the start of her journey to a professional career. She began her career with the
US ID camp and was later recruited to play internationally for the
Philippines from 2023 to 2024. Salvador made the jump from the higher level to the
NCAA because she prioritized her education.Â
"I wanted to continue my education and get a degree while also being able to play soccer at a high level," said Salvador. "That's the main reason why I chose Biola and why I wanted to continue playing soccer."
Although Biola is a smaller school, her high school coach, Brett Croft encouraged her to apply, which is how she is now representing the Eagles. Â
BALANCING EXPECTATIONS
With Salvador's global soccer experience, all eyes were on her on and off the field.Â
"Sometimes people expect me to be this amazing player who's been part of all these national teams," said Salvador. "When I don't perform to that standard, people look at me differently."
Although she feels the pressures from her peers and coaches, she is able to enjoy the full college experience, rather than having soccer define her life and identity as it did during her time in the professional league.
"At Biola, I'm seen as a student athlete, but I feel like they value me as a person before being a soccer player," said Salvador. "Although I do represent this school as a soccer player, here I am able to accomplish other things."
GROWING HER GAMEÂ
Despite the differences in playing style compared to her team in the Philippines, Salvador has been able to strengthen her game by learning from a variety of coaches.
"For the national team, we were more of a defensive-minded team," said Salvador. 'More of a kick and run, which you wouldn't really expect in the professional environment."
This was a change in playing style as she considers herself a "possessive-based player."Â
"I like to keep the ball on the ground," said Salvador. "So changing to a kick and run team wasn't really my cup of tea."
However, coach Croft prefers to have his team possess the ball and play on the ground.
"That's the main part of why I decided to play soccer here at Biola, which is because of the playing style and the coaching techniques, and just very matches my identity as a soccer player."
On the field, Salvador is focused on becoming a stronger goal scorer.
"I'm more of a passer on the field," said Salvador. "I'm very good and technical on the ball, and I tend to just look to pass to someone. I want to be more of an attacker, and just build up my stats in that way, so I would love to try to score a lot of goals this year."
Through her actions, she demonstrates her desire to be a team player and a leader. By making smart passes and setting up plays, she helps her teammates shine, which not only benefits the team but also strengthens her own game.
THE HEART OF BIOLA
The relationships Salvador built on and off the soccer field will be long-term, and that is one of the most rewarding aspects of playing at Biola.Â
"Biola has definitely been one of the best decisions of my life on a spiritual, academic, social, and athletic standpoint, said Salvador. "I've experienced so many different changes in my life, including being a part of the national teams. I love my past experiences, and that shaped me into who I am today as a college player."
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