Throughout the past four years, the CHS stands have rumbled with students standing on their feet to celebrate each and every single goal she has scored. Though her high school soccer career is over, Riley Zitar scored one of the biggest goals of her career. She shot and scored herself a spot to be a part of Claremont McKenna College’s Class of 2026

As of now, Zitar is looking forward to the new opportunities that CMC offers. Although she was drawn in by their sports program, she already has plans to ensure academic success for her future. She is planning on majoring in biology along with a minor in human rights or human studies. Although staying in Claremont was not something she planned on, Zitar believes that staying in her hometown will not hinder her college experience.

“I was a little unsure about staying in Claremont,” Zitar said. “I’ve always wanted to experience a new place, but I’m hoping I can make time to travel after college. I really do love the campus.”

Zitar was originally drawn into CMC for their sports program, and looks forward to the future and the opportunities that will make the overall experience of college even better.

“I’m really excited, it’s a school that I’ve been looking at for a long time,” Zitar said. “ Even though I’ve lived in Claremont for eighteen years, I don’t quite know what to expect, but I’m excited to take new opportunities and to meet new people.”

CMC is a college that is located within the small confines of Claremont, California, and is known to be nestled in around five of the other colleges that are found inside Claremont. CMC offered an opportunity to Zitar for her outstanding academic performances, and her high level talent in soccer.

“I know that I wanted to play soccer at a D3 level, because I knew that if I applied to a D1 soccer program college, it would take over my life,” Zitar said. “That’s something I didn’t want to happen, because I also want to maintain a life outside of playing soccer.”

As she prepares for the next chapter in her life, Zitar offers advice to any of the incoming students at CHS who wish to seek the same opportunities that she did.

“Appreciate the friendships you can have at CHS,” Zitar said. “I would just say that my advice to future students is to focus on grades. Grades suck, and even when you think they don’t matter, they do. Also, sports do help you get into college. Stick with it, because it could really help you get into your dream college. In the end, it’s important to do the things you love in life, and to manage your time so you get a balance of everything.”

Before moving in, Zitar plans to spend her summer in Florida, where her club team will compete in a National competition. She will not have much free time, but she plans to arrive home in August, and spend the rest of her days relaxing and hanging out with friends.

“Moving day starts August 17th, and I couldn’t be more excited,” Zitar said.

With all her successes and accomplishments, do not expect this to be the last time Riley Zitar makes the headlines.