For University of the Pacific women’s soccer captain Kaya Rosa ’27, leadership is about more than scoring goals. The health and exercise sciences major believes it's about setting the standard, inspiring her teammates and building a foundation for the future of the program.

Amid a breakthrough 2026 campaign, Rosa has emerged as both the Tigers' offensive catalyst and a guiding presence for a young roster determined to establish its identity under Head Coach Jeff Freeman.

The Newark, California, native leads Pacific with eight goals and 16 points, tying Jaida Nyby's 2023 mark for the most goals in a single season since the Tigers rejoined the West Coast Conference in 2013. With another goal, Rosa would stand alone atop that modern-era milestone.

Despite etching her name into program history, Rosa remains focused on something greater than individual recognition.

"It's a nice feeling because, as a forward, you always want to score goals," Rosa said. "But honestly, a lot of them, I would credit to my teammates. They worked hard, pressed hard, and we were able to get a goal. Maybe I was the one who put it in the back of the net, but it was because of everyone else that we got that opportunity."

That team-first mentality has defined Rosa's evolution from a promising young attacker into one of Pacific's most influential leaders.

Having played soccer since age 4, Rosa arrived at Pacific eager to compete at the collegiate level. However, navigating the transition required patience, resilience and a renewed sense of confidence.

"When I first got here, I was really excited to play at this level, but it was definitely a hard transition from high school into college," Rosa said. "Once the new staff came on, I was really able to find my footing, find my place on the team and step into leadership positions."

Freeman recognized Rosa's scoring potential immediately.

"From the first training session, I knew Kaya was a tremendous goal scorer," Freeman said. "Confidence and belief is everything. You're not going to play your best soccer if you don't believe in yourself."

That confidence has translated into seven goals over her last eight appearances, including scoring in four consecutive WCC matches.

Beyond her offensive production, Rosa has embraced the responsibility of helping Pacific's younger players develop.

"I definitely use my voice, but I feel like I lead more through example and working hard," Rosa said. "I've been trying to use my voice more this year since I am one of the older ones, and we have a very young team."

For first-year attacker Julie Valdez ’30, Rosa's example has been invaluable throughout her first collegiate season.

"She's always super intense, always giving 100%," Valdez said. "She's never negative, and she's always picking people up. I know that helps a lot with the freshmen and our confidence."

Valdez  also sees Rosa as the type of player and leader she hopes to become.

"She's the one person I look at that I try to be like and base myself off of," Valdez said.

Freeman believes Rosa's willingness to lead through adversity has become instrumental in establishing the program's culture.

"Her leadership, both vocally and by example, is huge to the future of this program," he said. "She's really taken off, and she's been fantastic. Right now, she's a little bit of the heart and soul of the team."

For Rosa, the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy is not measured solely by goals or records, but by the teammates who will carry Pacific forward.

"We have a lot of young people who have been playing big minutes for the team and contributing," she said. "That's been super awesome to see. I feel like the future is in very good hands at Pacific."

The Tigers compete in their final home match of the season Wednesday, Oct. 28 against St. Mary’s before heading on the road to take on Denver and San Diego. See the full women’s soccer schedule.