It is December 2023, and then freshman Adwitha Challa and her family bask under the warm Cancún sun as waves collide just inches beside their feet.
However, there is one place Challa wanted to be: Buddy Echols Field.
After all, she could not miss the opportunity to be with her team brushing up drills in preparation for the season ahead.
So, with three days left in their family’s vacation, Challa and her mother, Srilatha Challa, happily hopped on a plane back to Coppell while her older sister, Akshadha Challa, and father, Prasad Challa, stayed back. This is not an unusual occurrence for the Challas.
Ever since Adwitha showed an interest in soccer at age 3, her family has been her biggest cheerleader.
“She had a lot of energy as a child, so we decided to put her in recreational soccer,” Mr. Challa said. “Since then, she has never looked back. It’s our responsibility to support her passion.”
Now a Coppell junior defender, energy has been Adwitha’s hallmark characteristic in the sport. According to Mr. Challa, her coach noticed her enthusiasm and nicknamed her Rocket after her first match.
“During that game, all the kids would be in clusters,” Prasad said. “But Adwitha would take the ball away from the cluster and go all the way to the goal. In that game she scored four times in five minutes.”
Growing up, Adiwtha pursued other outlets to utilize her energy. At one point, a week in her life consisted of three days of gymnastics, two days of soccer and dance on Sundays.
By middle school, her commitments to club and school soccer took over. At the time, she was transitioning between club teams Sting FC and D’Feeters Kick Soccer Club (DKSC) — who she currently plays for.
“Once, my classical dance teacher came to my mom and asked why I kept missing practices,” Adwitha said. “That’s when I knew I was going to put my eggs in one basket.”
During her time on the girls soccer team, Adiwtha’s energy helped her grow. So much so that she was voted to become one of five team captains this year.
“She started out her freshman year like a little spark of energy,” Coppell girls soccer coach Craig Able said. “She has the nickname Rocket because she is just electric on the field. Now as a junior, she still has her spark, but she is also very sure and confident of who she is.”
Behind the scenes, there is one constant: her family’s unconditional support.
“Every weekend if there is nothing to do family wise, there is always soccer,” Adwitha said. “Soccer has just given me so much time with my family and I’m forever grateful for that.”
From her sister, Adwitha says she learned about time management since she also grew up with a busy schedule balancing dance, singing and also soccer. According to her, Akshadha is “so freaking supportive” and she enjoys going on long drives with her to navigate stressful situations.
Specifically, Adwitha formed a strong bond with her father.
“When I think about it, I have a real soccer dad,” Adiwtha said.
According to Mr. Challa, the family spends at least five hours on game day getting Adwitha to a match and then driving back home. It is these moments that the Challa’s hold closest to their hearts.
“Those five hours are pure delight for us,” Mr. Challa said. “We’ve been doing it for the last 13 years and we wonder what will happen after she moves to college and when we will no longer have that time together.”
Adwitha has hopes to continue soccer throughout college. Although she loves to play, she is thankful for family support.
“The time we get together even if we aren’t talking is what matters to me the most,” Adiwtha said. “I think that we have such a strong relationship because of it.”
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